By A.J. Hazarabedian
The city of Imperial Beach has decided to initiate eminent domain proceedings in order to acquire two businesses in a run-down shopping center on Palm Avenue.
The businesses, Wylde Sydes and Inner Visions are owned by James Sides and Deborah Sides, respectively. According to the San Diego Union Tribune article, “2 shopping center tenants won’t budge,” the city offered a combined amount of $63,357 which “included the value of relocating both shops and their fixtures and equipment costs.” The owners, however, were not satisfied with the city’s offer and have submitted a counter offer of $1.4 million.
Being that a settlement through simple negotiations appears unlikely; the city has decided to proceed with eminent domain.
The city has already taken some action, adopting a resolution of necessity at last month’s council meeting.
The plan is to redevelop the run-down Miracle Mile Shopping Center on Palm and Ninth Street. The city has entered into an exclusive negotiating agreement with Sudberry Development who has “proposed a drugstore, grocery store and three smaller shops at the site.”
According to the article, besides Wylde Sydes and Inner Visions, four small shops in the center have relocated, one plans to close, and “the city is confident it can work out a deal” with the eight remaining stores.