Bell : Talks Begin With Developer

The Bell Community Redevelopment Agency is beginning negotiations with Watt Commercial Properties for construction of the proposed $7.5-million Atlantic Avenue commercial redevelopment site.

Watt topped the four names presented to the agency on a “short list” winnowed from 11 potential developers. Watt and the agency will have 45 days to reach an agreement on site development; if no agreement is reached within that time, the agency may begin negotiations with the next developer on the list.

The site is at Atlantic Avenue between Gage Avenue and Randolph Street. The area was occupied by a lumber company, but is mostly vacant now. Watt has proposed to construct a retail center of about 80,000 square feet that will house a theater and retail chain stores.

Councilman George Mirabal said the agency and the City Council were pleased by the caliber of the developers who presented proposals to Bell. “We had a lot of major developers interested,” he said. “I hope they realize that there are other areas in Bell available.”