WEB EXCLUSIVE: E.C. City Council delays condition amendment for shopping center By ERIC GALVAN, Staff Writer
Wednesday, September 19, 2007 10:52 PM PDT
The opening of Best Buy at the Plaza at Imperial Valley shopping center in El Centro may be delayed following a motion by the El Centro City Council on Wednesday.
A handful of conditions were to be amended for the Plaza, but the sticking point was the payment and reimbursement for the construction of a waterline that runs from Ross Avenue to Danenberg Drive along the Alder Canal, which runs parallel to Dogwood Road.
The City Council voted 3-1 to continue the agenda item to the Oct. 3 meeting so the waterline issue could further be discussed. Councilman Jon Edney voted against the continuance and Councilman Ben Solomon was absent.
The cost for the construction of the waterline, from a 12-inch line to a 20-inch line, would roughly be $2 million. Plaza representatives, including Ron Russ, president of the Russ Group, which is the developer of the Plaza, did not want to pay for the entire project, which would only be reimbursed between 5 percent and 10 percent.
“There were issues raised that require a little more coordination,” Russ said. “These were important issues of equity and fairness. And it was a wise decision to not rush into it.”
When asked if the Plaza’s opening, which was scheduled for November, would be delayed, Russ paused then said, “I don’t know yet.”
The opening of Best Buy in November would be the first phase of the Plaza’s opening. A second phase would see part of the 11 retail stores open in the spring with the final phase being completed next summer.
Michael Lebovitz, chief development officer for CBL & Associates, which is the developer of the Imperial Valley Commons, which will sit next to the Plaza, was in attendance Wednesday and spoke on behalf of CBL expressing concerns with the Plaza’s situation.
“Changing conditions would be unnecessary,” Lebovitz said. “We’re not here to oppose the project, we just expect the Plaza owner to do what he agreed to do when the (environmental impact report) was accepted.
“What has changed that necessitates changes,” Lebovitz asked. “Phase 1 can open without changing conditions.”
The discussion regarding the adoption of the amendments to the conditions lasted more than two and a half hours.
“Clearly we understand the need for the waterline is imperative,” Councilwoman Sedalia Sanders said. “And the city would be a great beneficiary.
“But the question I pose is, what is the purpose for all of this,” Sanders asked.
" if el centro doesnt want them, heber will take them. "
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jsyi wrote on Sep 20, 2007 10:01 PM: