Is the real estate near the cross-streets of Ninth Street and Orange Avenue some type of mysterious Bermuda Triangle? No disappearing boats but many disappearing businesses . . . all happening in large "anchor" stores.
The map above shows the close proximity of fallen businesses.
Starting at the top of the map, the orange X marks the spot of the Village Theater. Orange because it's trying to make a comeback. Vacant after the last showing of "The Grinch Stole Christmas" over ten years ago, the City Council of Coronado paid Five Star Theatres a redevelopment grant sum of nearly $2.7 million to renovate the 8,500-square-foot movie theater. They have been "renovating" since the big kick-off on September 29, 2010. The anticipated March opening was delayed and residents are still waiting for the first-run films guaranteed to play until at least 2026. Type "Village Theater" in the search box of Coronado Common Sense for previous stories.
Moving down Orange Avenue, you come across the red X that marks the Coramart site at 844 Orange Avenue. Rethinking the map, I should have given this structure two Xs, or maybe even three. It received Coronado Common Sense's "Hall of Shame" award on September 29, 2009. (September 29th seems to be a reoccurring theme in the history of these blighted buildings.) It is most definitely a toxic site, both in outward appearance and in instability. You don't want to be anywhere near this building when the next major earthquake hits. Note the warning:
The next red X belongs to the newest contender, the Coronado Pharmacy. Just vacated within the last week or so, only time will tell the future of those display windows.
You will need to cross to the opposite side of Orange Avenue to find the final red X indicated on the map. This is the former Petco. Much like CoraMart, it was doing a thriving business when notice came to shut the doors. And those doors have not opened since.
Four major businesses within the distance of a block. Not a pretty site for the main street of Coronado. There are many new businesses and revamped businesses in the immediate area, these eyesores cannot be beneficial to them. And it's unfair to ask them to tolerate buildings that are spiraling downward when I'm sure they're paying upscale rents.
Almost six years ago, the vacancy subject appeared on the June 7, 2005 City Council Meeting Agenda. Item 8b was a Public Hearing discussing the "Introduction of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 70.12 of Title 70 and Chapter 86.56 of Title 86 of the Municipal Code Addressing Vacant Premises." Three important players spoke and they have all since retired:
Past Coronado MainStreet Director Toni Gaylord—
Retired Director of Community Development Tony Peña—
Former Mayor Smisek—
A year-and-a-half ago, I wrote in this paper:
"Somehow, it seems to be, that this blighted building [CoraMart] should have easily received at least three Notices of Violations by now. Call me a dreamer but I can imagine a far better building occupying that space. Many years ago, I stood before the City Council and made a suggestion. It was simply this:
After a building sits abandoned for a year, start charging a hefty non-vacancy fine. Double it the second year. Double that fine the third year and so on.
This would serve to get the attention of these owners that apparently have the upper-hand over our Coronado leaders. Can you imagine how much money the city would have made on a non-vancancy fine on Cora Mart by now? I dare say I think that improvements would have been made and this building might actually have been an asset to the ambiance of Coronado."
Does anyone out there share my concern?
If so, it's time to let your voice be heard . . . before the situation worsens. There are twice as many vacant buildings on Orange Avenue alone as there were just a few years ago. You have the opportunity to speak about any subject for three minutes to the City Council at every Council meeting during the public comments section. Or, you could write them a letter or email. Even a few sentences would let them know of your concern. Or just hit the [share] button under this article and email it to them.
It is time to call attention to this situation so that it may be remedied before it gets any farther out of hand.
Sincerely,
Susan Heavilin, Editor
Coronado Common Sense
Excellent piece Susan!
Posted by: local guy | April 29, 2011 at 07:17 AM
Thank you Susan! Using the "Squeeky Wheel" theory, let's see if we can't turn this block into one that we can enjoy with pride.
Posted by: Gail | April 29, 2011 at 09:35 AM
Your suggestion about the non-vacancy fine is an absolutely brilliant idea. Especially in the case of the Coramart property. Or the City needs to take the building through eminent domain for economic development or public safety. Regardless, this particular blight shouldn’t be allowed to continue.
As for the Petco building, it's a white elephant. There is no way this community could ever support a Petco in that huge and expensive space. Then again, ask yourself; what single business could ever make a go of it in this town in that large of a space? Perhaps the building should be remodeled to accommodate several smaller businesses.
Posted by: Dan Megna | April 29, 2011 at 02:40 PM
I'm surprised that the Council did not take this ball and run with it. Excellent idea for dealing with these vacant properties and easily put into place. Let's do it!
Posted by: samiam | April 30, 2011 at 06:15 AM