Eminent Domain Report

I mentioned in an article last week that many redevelopment agencies are facing budget issues; the city of Imperial Beach is facing a similar, but slightly different, problem:  after investing over $8 million in bond money for redevelopment of the Miracle Shopping Center, the economic climate has made it impossible for the city to find an interested developer. 

Nevertheless, the city decided to raise more funds, and purchase the shopping center anyway, hoping the city's ownership would make the site more attractive to developers.  With city ownership now in place, the eminent domain process begins.

According to a San Diego Union Tribune article, "2 shopping center tenants won’t budge," two tenants of the Miracle Shopping Center have refused the city's $63,357 offer, which is meant to cover relocation costs, along with the value of fixtures and equipment in the stores.  The owners, meanwhile, have demanded $1.4 million.  The city council this week voted to approve the adoption of a resolution of necessity, the first step in filing the condemnation lawsuit. 

Four shops have already relocated, one plans to close down, and the city believes it can work out deals with the other eight tenants.