The Santa Ana Planning Commission on Dec. 15 approved a redevelopment plan for properties at 2745 W. McFadden Ave. and 1001 S. Fairview St., authorizing demolition and remodel work for a revitalized shopping center that will include a new, larger 7‑Eleven convenience store with a 3,136‑square‑foot service station canopy, a 2,200‑square‑foot multi‑tenant retail building, and upgrades to existing tenant spaces.

Case planner Fernanda Arias Hernandez said the project is designed to address blight at the site and is exempt from CEQA under Class 3 (project square footage under 10,000 sq ft of new construction). Staff recommended conditions intended to ensure compatibility with adjacent multifamily residences, including site maintenance standards, a photometric lighting plan, architectural refinements to avoid blank walls, and on‑site security from 7 p.m.–6 a.m. to mitigate evening impacts.

Commissioners probed logistics for fuel‑truck circulation, the location of proposed bioswales, potential spill containment, and whether security technology could substitute for a continuous on‑site licensed guard. Property owners said they already monitor the site with 24‑hour camera systems and two‑way speaker capability and that full‑time guarded security imposes a financial burden that could affect project feasibility. The 7‑Eleven representative described retailer initiatives to tailor product selection to neighborhood needs and the chain’s retail security practices.

After extended discussion, the commission amended staff’s security condition: rather than mandating a permanent on‑site licensed guard as a baseline, the commission required site‑wide security technology (monitored cameras, DVR retention and two‑way speaker capability) and left a fallback for the Police Chief to require licensed security guards if the Chief determines increased on‑site crime or calls for service. The commission also added conditions requiring fuel‑spill containment measures to prevent runoff into bioswales, additional architectural fenestration on the McFadden elevation, relocation of the air/water pump to allow a continuous sidewalk to McFadden, and explicit allowance for the Husky Boy figures to remain as optional architectural/public art elements if the owner chooses to retain them.

Commissioner Leo moved to approve the CUPs and variance with those conditions; Commissioner Pham seconded. The measure passed on a roll‑call vote with Chair Ramos abstaining over concerns about surveillance; Commissioner Escamilla was absent.

Conditions require: submittal of a final grading and drainage plan (to show fuel‑spill containment and bioswale protection) at building‑permit plan check, a photometric lighting plan that concentrates on‑site lighting but shields off‑site impacts, relocation of the air/water pump to provide continuous pedestrian access to McFadden, and a site‑wide security plan documenting monitored digital systems and retention policies. The Police Chief retains authority to require licensed guards should calls for service rise.