Eminent Domain Report

Roy Fowler's Furniture Station has been a well-known staple within the City of Azusa.  The 39-year-old store has witnessed much change in the area known as Corky's Corner.  However, the store is now officially shutting down after the City of Azusa acquired the property through eminent domain.

According to an article in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, "Long-time Azusa furniture store to close after losing battle against city, eminent domain," the Furniture Station finally reached a settlement with the City after a contentious eminent domain battle.  The City sought to redevelop the area and adopted a resolution of necessity to acquire the property in January 2010.  The owner challenged the City's right to take the property, but that challenge was unsuccessful.  The parties thereafter reached a settlement for $1.45 million -- not dramatically higher than the City's original $1.1 million offer - and substantially lower than the owner's earlier $3.3 million demand. 

Interestingly, at first the City apparently was not interested in the owner's $1.45 million offer, but decided to accept the proposal given Governor Brown's efforts to eliminate redevelopment agencies. 

The City Manager, Fran Delach was not "happy" with the settlement, but he noted the deal paves the way to allow immediate development of the property.  Delach indicated that the City is negotiating with a "very exciting" potential suitor.  The property owner, on the other hand, was disappointed with the City's negotiation tactics and attitude towards the eminent domain process.  While Fowler will no longer be able to operate the Furniture Station in Azusa, he does have another location in Covina on Arrow Highway and Citrus Avenue.