Hawaiian Gardens : 2 Officials to Study Options to Develop Elks Lodge Site

The Redevelopment Agency, which is made up of City Council members, appointed a two-member committee Tuesday to consider development possibilities for a stretch of Carson Street that includes the Lakewood Elks Lodge.

Mayor Kathleen Navejas and Councilman Robert Canada were appointed to review information and talk to property owners to determine the best development of the area. According to the city, the seven acres of property include two vacant stores, a car sales lot, a dog kennel and a residence, in addition to the lodge.

Elks leaders recently asked the city to buy the lodge when a $1.8-million sale to an Artesia church fell through. The church rescinded its purchase after the City Council, in a 3-2 vote, refused to grant a permit. The council majority said the site is prime property that should be commercially developed.

The Elks have had declining membership in recent years, and say it is no longer economically feasible to maintain the 22,000-square-foot building. Instead, the group wants to build a smaller lodge in Lakewood. The property has been on the market for 10 years, and prospective buyers have ranged from churches to card clubs.