February 3, 2025: More than 60 community leaders, including several OTPA Board members, gathered at The Richland on February 3rd to participate in the City’s 2nd annual Economic Development Forum.
The purpose was to explore the City’s future with a “conversation about Orange’s vibrant business community.” The centerpiece was a panel on Old Towne which focused on the need to continue preserving and protecting the historic character of the Old Towne Residential District and the Plaza District.
The panel featured District One Councilmember Arianna Barrios, OTPA President Rob Boice, Plaza Review Publisher Mike Escobedo, Plaza restaurant owner Wil Dee, and Chapman Business School Professor Marshall Toplansky.
Much of the discussion emphasized the need for additional Plaza parking. Wil Dee, OTPA Board member and longtime advocate for more parking around the Plaza, urged community leaders to focus on solutions to the parking dilemma. Dee owns Haven Craft Kitchen, Provisions Market and Chapman Craft Beer.
Schultz said the Forum is the City’s premier event for business, property owners, developers and brokers to connect and discuss economic development in Orange. He thanked OTPA President Rob Boice for his “insights into how historic preservation has helped Old Towne to develop into such a successful commercial district.” Adding, “Old Towne was the thriving hub of Orange.” We couldn’t agree more.
Wil Dee, Plaza restaurant entrepreneur, right, calls for more parking to maintain the economic health of the Plaza.. Left to right Rob Boice and Mike Escobedo.
Rob Boice, OTPA President, right, praises historic Old Towne as a small town within a big city. Left to right, ChapmanProfessor Marshall Toplansky, City Economic Development Manager Aaron Schultz, Council member Arianna Barrios and Boice
