Remember when I told you in February about the controversial condo project in the works in Downtown Garden Grove? Well, some interesting things have been happening since late February. I just got an update in my inbox from Save Historic Main Street. Here’s what’s been happening since the last time we checked in.
Regarding the Sheldon condo project, it has been two weeks since our first settlement proposal meeting with Steve [Sheldon, the Newport Beach developer and son of the controversial minister looking to build the condo project downtown]. We have since had no response, communication or counter-offer from either him or his office. Perhaps they are waiting to see how strong our opening brief is before deciding whether or not to work with us towards a resolution. Our opening brief to the Justices in the Court of Appeals is due the second week of May so I’m afraid if we dont hear from him soon, that we are going to have to proceed with the lawsuit.
Remember that if you’d like to help Save Historic Main Street actually… Well, Save Historic Main Street, then you can always stop by their web site and see how you can help.
Who owned the land that the Sheldon Project is being proposed to be built on before the city gave the land away?
The land that the City is selling to the Developer was partially purchased by the Business and Property owners on Main Street in 1955, with their own monies and before the City was even incorporated. It wasn’t until 1973 that these parcels were eventually placed in the City’s name, only to be held in trust for the use and benefit of the Garden Grove Downtown Parking District which was also formed by and has been operated from the beginning by the Business and Property owners under the California Vehicle Parking District Law of 1943. The property is now being sold by the City to Sheldon without the approval of the Property owners, the Business owners or the Parking Commissioners.