Dozens of Santa Ana homes to be demolished for widening project, upsetting longtime homeowners

SANTA ANA, Calif. (KABC) -- For nearly 60 years, Robert and Lupe Fernandez have called a modest house near Maple Street and Warner Avenue in Santa Ana home.

The couple moved into what was then a one-bedroom house after Robert left the Army in 1956. They added on to the home as their family grew, raising children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in a space they love.

"I slowly started doing a little bit here and a little bit there," Robert said.

But recently they received a letter from the city, which explains the need to demolish the home to widen and improve Warner Avenue between Main Street and Grand Avenue.

More than 30 homes and two businesses along the one-mile stretch must come down.

"The number one reason for having this project is safety," said Fred Mousavipour, the executive director for the Santa Ana Public Works Agency. "We've had so many accidents in that area, then is congestion."

The $55 million project will add a lane on each side, bike lanes, bigger sidewalks and lights. City staff says they've started negotiations with homeowners, assuring them they'll get "fair market value" and help finding a new home.

"They tell us not to worry, but, yes I do worry," Lupe said.

Construction is set to begin in early 2018, and if an agreement can't be reached, the city plans to take the homes using eminent domain.

"We've been here for 60 years, and then they bring a bulldozer, it's kind of upsetting," Lupe said.

Lupe and Robert say you can't put a price on what their home means to their family, and for that reason, they're not sure what's next.

"When it rains, we have a roof over our heads," Lupe said. "Right now, we don't know where we're going."

The city plans to host several community meetings to discuss the plans with residents in the coming months.