Opinion: The Orange City Council has Aligned itself with Developers Instead of with the People

In a late-night session on October 3, Orange City Council members engaged in decisions that have left the community questioning their dedication to the people they represent. The meeting, which stretched into the early hours, concluded with concerning resolutions that lacked substantial benefits for the city’s residents.

Our council has aligned themselves with developers by approving extensive tax abatements, grossly increasing population by approximately 1,400 new residents, and not requiring developers to make any improvements to the community. Despite passionate outcries from the citizens, our voices are continually being ignored.

Council members Clifford Ross, Weldon Montague III, Kerry Coley, and Tency Eason supported resolutions and ordinances that prioritized tax abatements for the construction of new market-rate rental apartments, and other significant municipal spending over addressing pressing community concerns. The decisions are detrimental to the best interests of the residents, failing to tackle issues like the shortage of parking spaces, limited shopping options, and insufficient youth-centric programs within the city.

The frustration among the citizens was palpable during the meeting, as we voiced our opposition to the decisions that seemed disconnected from the genuine needs and desires of the community. A notable concern was the approval of multiple groups extended tax abatements, spanning an unprecedented 22-year period, with little visible impact on community welfare.

As the city gears up for the municipal elections in May of 2024, the behavior of the current council members has placed them in a precarious position. The citizens are now rallying for new leadership that will prioritize our interests and address critical issues concerning the development and well-being of the City of Orange.

The call for change is echoing louder within the community, urging citizens to actively participate in the upcoming elections and elect representatives who truly understand and work towards the enhancement of the city’s growth and prosperity. The importance of a fresh start and an accountable council cannot be overstated, as the city looks forward to a future that aligns with the genuine needs and aspirations of its residents.