Post by news on Jul 1, 2006 6:22:55 GMT -8
www.sgvtribune.com/news/ci_4001915
The City Council has approved spending $92,000 to amend its redevelopment plan and add eminent domain authority to properties in the downtown north area.
Single family homes are exempt
"I want to emphasize that eminent domain is not an authority commonly used in Azusa," said Bruce Coleman, economic and community development director.
"There is some history, such as in the case of Wimpey's Pawn Shop, where we exercised eminent domain but at the same time we are trying to settle with them voluntarily."
"I want to emphasize that eminent domain is not an authority commonly used in Azusa," said Bruce Coleman, economic and community development director.
"There is some history, such as in the case of Wimpey's Pawn Shop, where we exercised eminent domain but at the same time we are trying to settle with them voluntarily."
The City Council in April hired Santa Monica-based Watt Commercial Properties as the master developer of its Downtown North Specific Plan, which includes the depot for the Metro Gold Line light-rail system set to run through the center.
A plan to encourage transit-oriented development - retail, residential and mixed-use projects - and promote revitalization of a deteriorating downtown has already been adopted by the council.
Watts' plans include about 500 homes of different types; 300,000 square feet of retail; cinemas; housing behind City Hall and an expanded park space.
The plan is to create a comprehensive, master development that eliminates the hodgepodge of marginal uses.
The City Council has approved spending $92,000 to amend its redevelopment plan and add eminent domain authority to properties in the downtown north area.
Single family homes are exempt
"I want to emphasize that eminent domain is not an authority commonly used in Azusa," said Bruce Coleman, economic and community development director.
"There is some history, such as in the case of Wimpey's Pawn Shop, where we exercised eminent domain but at the same time we are trying to settle with them voluntarily."
"I want to emphasize that eminent domain is not an authority commonly used in Azusa," said Bruce Coleman, economic and community development director.
"There is some history, such as in the case of Wimpey's Pawn Shop, where we exercised eminent domain but at the same time we are trying to settle with them voluntarily."
The City Council in April hired Santa Monica-based Watt Commercial Properties as the master developer of its Downtown North Specific Plan, which includes the depot for the Metro Gold Line light-rail system set to run through the center.
A plan to encourage transit-oriented development - retail, residential and mixed-use projects - and promote revitalization of a deteriorating downtown has already been adopted by the council.
Watts' plans include about 500 homes of different types; 300,000 square feet of retail; cinemas; housing behind City Hall and an expanded park space.
The plan is to create a comprehensive, master development that eliminates the hodgepodge of marginal uses.