Talks Between Johnson Group, CRA Continue
The Community Redevelopment Agency and developers for Earvin “Magic” Johnson continued negotiating Friday on a deal to revamp the aging Santa Barbara Plaza, but failed to reach agreement.
Both sides have an added incentive to complete negotiations: the Crenshaw Community Advisory Council voted Thursday evening advising the CRA to conclude talks with the Johnson Development Corp. by July 1.
“The impatience level has been turned up several notches,” said Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas, who represents the area.
Sources close to the negotiations said talks were fruitful Friday.
At issue is a 21-acre outdoor shopping center that the Johnson group is seeking to redevelop. The two sides have leveled charges at each other, including accusations of stalling for political purposes.
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