La Palma Council Might Look to Eminent Domain

Tenants not showing
interest in cooperating with city to remodel centers.

By Larry Caballero

What do you do if you are the City Manager and Community Development Director who see tremendous potential in two commercial sites in need of tender loving care that are owned by multiple owners who are not showing much interest in cooperating with the city in making improvements? That was the question for La Palma’s City Manager Dominic Lazzaretto and the city’s Community Development Director John Di Mario who addressed the City Council at its August 4 meeting.
After numerous attempts to work closely with the owners of the two commercial sites located on the corners of Moody and Walker and Moody and La Palma, they suggested to the Council that eminent domain, which was allowed to expire in 2004, be an option in improving the sites. Lazzaretto explained that three votes were needed to approve it and a super majority of four votes were needed to implement its powers. “The council should have as many tools in its tool chest as possible to carry out the public good.”
Councilmembers Larry Herman, Ralph Rodriguez and Mayor Pro Tem Steve Shanahan were willing to allow staff to research that option and to report back at a future meeting so long as it was made clear that any discussion of eminent domain should only be considered in the two sites and not for any residential properties or any other sites such as churches and schools.
Mayor Mark Waldman and Councilmember Henry Charoen were adamantly opposed. Both felt that other options need to be tried in reaching out to the commercial site owners before the idea of re-instituting limited eminent domain authority can be considered. Yet the city manager and community development director felt that all options by the city, that have included assisting in the relocation of their businesses and the prospect of additional tax benefits, have already been utilized to very little success.
“The owners are content with the way things are since they get a steady revenue from these properties,” said Lazzaretto, “and there is little incentive to want to sell the properties or to do more than minimum maintenance.”
Councilmember Herman agreed and felt that “multiple citations probably won’t do much good in the long run.” Staff was directed to research what steps would be involved, the scope of eminent domain and to address protections for other sites. The consideration of a blanket use of eminent domain powers was not supported by any of the council members or staff. Only the granting of limited authority, as a justification for specific projects, would be considered.
It is expected that staff will report back to the council within 90 days, and at that time the issue of limited eminent domain powers will be fully debated.
2009 Fall Home Spotlight Winners
A home is chosen every three months to be a Home Spotlight Winner by the La Palma Community Activities and Beautification Committee for its overall appearance and improvements.
Park and Recreations Director Jan Hobson praised Bert and Gail Poan for the improvements they have made to their home at 8191 Del Oro Lane to enhance its curb appeal, and “to make La Palma a little more beautiful city.”