Vons appears once again to be trying to expand into the CoraMart location at 844 Orange Avenue.
Representatives of both Vons and the building’s owners have been in contact with the city.
“They have been asking questions, but so far there has been no formal applications for permits,” said City Associate Planner Peter Fait. Some have characterized the discussions between the owner and Vons as close, “just inches away,” said a person with knowledge, but not authorized to speak.
A spokesperson for the owner was unavailable. A Vons spokesperson was noncommittal.
“Unfortunately I don’t have an update at this time,” said Jenna Watkinson, Vons Manager of Communications and Community Relations.
This is not the first time it looked as if Vons was about to expand into the long-vacant building next door.
In 2006, the talks were serious enough that former City Manager Mark Ochenduszko announced an agreement between the two parties that appears to be similar to the one rumored this time around. Before the year was out, negotiations broke down and both sides parted ways.
There have been a number of inquiries since. “None as serious as the recent ones from Vons,” Fait said.
In 2014, Rite Aid expressed interest. “Just as with Vons, they had some questions, but it never went further than that,” Fait said. Still those questions led to a rush of rumors and assurances from the store’s employees that the drug store was about to expand into the CoraMart building.
If the latest talks come to fruition, it will be real boon for everyone.
“Simons [rep for property management] is getting a credit worthy tenant willing to move into a building that will need significant renovation. Vons will be able to expand and offer its customers a greater selection, and the community will get rid of an eye sore that creates blight in the heart of our business district,” said Rita Sarich, executive director of MainStreet.
The store has been battered for decades. Little has been done in the intervening years to keep it presentable. After the city imposed a fine, the owners did paint the building. Code enforcement is basically all the city can do.
Evoking eminent domain is not an option, no matter how dilapidated the building appears. “The current and past councils have believed that the city should only exercise eminent domain for a legitimate government need,” said City Councilwoman Carrie Downey. “Just because we wish the building had a nicer look does not rise to that level.”
It will take more than a few coats of paint for a new tenant to move in. People familiar with the building say that the wiring and plumbing will have to be brought up to code. Air conditioning will have to be installed and its hollow clay tiles will all have to be removed or retrofitted.
