By A.J. Hazarabedian
The city of Glendale may use eminent domain if an agreement cannot be made with the owner of a building on Brand Blvd. A recent Glendale News Press Article, “Council approves Neon increase,” explains that the city has been negotiating with the property owner, Andrainik Shahinian, since November. His property at 212 S. Brand Blvd., which includes an arcade, has been in his family since 1987.
The property is needed for expansion of the Museum of Neon Art which will also occupy “an adjacent vacant city-owned building at 216 S. Brand Blvd. across from the Americana at Brand.” The museum struck a deal with the city in September, proposing to expand their space to include this adjacent property.
According to the article, the city plans to continue negotiations with the property owner prior to beginning eminent domain proceedings. However, the city would like to redevelop this property soon, as the arcade has been a source of many police calls.