Covina : Condemnation Delayed

The City Council, acting as the Covina Redevelopment Agency, has postponed until Oct. 6 a vote to condemn property at 675 Citrus Ave. on which the Firestone auto service center is located. The city wants the property for its auto row project, but negotiators for the city have been unable to reach agreement with Firestone officials on a sale price. City staff recommended to the council on July 7 that the property be condemned.

Councilman Robert Low has steadfastly opposed the condemnation, which could jeopardize the project because state law requires a four-fifths majority on condemnation votes. Councilman Jerry Edgar has been advised to abstain on all votes relating to the auto row project because he holds a second-trust deed on property within the area.