SAN GABRIEL – The city has approved an outline for a proposed redevelopment project, despite protests from property owners who feel they should be allowed to develop their land themselves.
Redevelopment Agency members voted 4-0 to approve a memorandum of understanding with WCE Genton Associates, laying out guidelines for a multilevel retail and residential project at the southeast corner of Live Oak Avenue and San Gabriel Boulevard. Agency member Harry Baldwin was absent.
The decision came after an appeal from property owners was denied.
City Council members cited reasons such as the owners' inexperience in developing such projects and attracting national retailers.
However, two property owners say they were not given a fair shot at the project.
Together, owners Henry Chang and Huntington Gardens LLC own more than 85 percent – about 140,000 square feet – of the plaza at the prominent Live Oak and San Gabriel intersection.
Other owners did not submit development proposals.
"It's not fair to have them take the land from one private developer and give it to another private firm," said Chuck Chang, chief financial officer of Huntington, after the meeting.
The 4-acre site was named as redevelopment land in the early 1990s, said Steven Preston, deputy city manager.
The site has been of "longtime interest because of a substantial problem with blight in that corridor," Preston said.
The Redevelopment Agency and Genton entered into an exclusive negotiation agreement Sept. 21, 2004.
The proposed "village-square"-type project will be pedestrian-friendly, have both above and underground parking, and include a national chain restaurant, representatives from the company said.
At least 15 percent of the residential units will be set aside for affordable housing.