BREA : Plan to Displace Businesses Criticized

Heated exchanges between local merchants and City Council members over Brea’s controversial redevelopment plans dominated the city’s town-hall meeting Wednesday night.

About 10 members of the Brea Small Business Coalition, a group of present and former downtown merchants opposed to the revitalization plans that would displace their businesses, came to the public meeting to voice their concerns.

Daniel Cesario, owner of the Golden West Building Co., a contracting firm in a Brea Boulevard building to be demolished, pleaded with the council for help.

“I own my own business and house. I am living the American dream, and I am now confronted with a complex relocation problem,” Cesario said, his voice wavering slightly. “I’m on the boulevard, and I thrive on the boulevard.”

Council members repeatedly told the audience of about 50 that they realized the path to revitalizing downtown, a run-down area where new construction might begin this summer, would not be easy. They defended the controversial use of eminent domain to take over some of the downtown properties.

“I personally believe we are past the low point,” said Councilman Wayne D. Wedin. “We can look forward to the more positive activity of building up and not tearing down.”

Mayor Ron Isles added: “Those directly involved (in revitalization) are placed in a difficult position. But the use of eminent domain is legal.”

Several residents viewing the proceedings at home on a local cable public access station called to express support for the downtown merchants.

“I think it is sad that we are losing all the businesses in downtown Brea,” one caller said. “They are historic Brea.”