2 Merchants Sue Ojai Over Remodeling
Two downtown business owners have sued the city of Ojai over an ongoing remodeling project that they allege is driving away business and making it difficult for them to stay afloat in the tourism-dependent town.
The owners of Busy Babes Beauty Supply and Salon and luggage store Studio Sauvageau are seeking a court order to prevent the city from closing or blocking their businesses during the Arcade Plaza remodeling project. They contend that the work, which began April 29, has severely restricted access to their storefronts.
An amended version of the lawsuit was filed Monday in Ventura County Superior Court by Lisa Clark, owner of Busy Babes, and Lisa Sauvageau, who owns the high-end luggage shop.
“There’s a big fence blocking the door,” said their attorney, David Jones, referring to Clark’s shop. “There’s bulldozers, port-a-potties and dirt and rubble that people have to walk by. It’s very imposing.”
He said they filed suit after the city rejected a settlement offer that would have compensated Clark $350 a day each time she was forced to close her store. The city said Clark should seek reimbursement after the damages occur.
The shops front the Arcade Plaza between Matilija Street and Ojai Avenue, which is undergoing a $1.6-million renovation, including the planting of 30 new trees and the installation of brick sidewalks, restrooms, chairs and benches and a fountain that will serve as the plaza’s centerpiece.
But some downtown merchants are concerned that the noise, dust and barricades are driving away customers during the area’s busiest season after Christmas.
“We’ve lost our local trade pretty much,” said Melony Vance, owner of Local Hero Books, which is not party to the suit. “Parking is too difficult, driving around is too difficult and access is too difficult.”
City Atty. Monte Widders said the lawsuit will be referred to the city’s insurance adjustor, which likely will seek to have it dismissed.
“I certainly understand that small businesses have to struggle through this kind of construction and that it can be disruptive,” said City Manager Dan Singer. “But I feel this is an exemplary project as far as our outreach to businesses and the community.”
He pointed out that the city opened a Web site devoted to news and updates on the project, paid for signs and advertising for the affected businesses and hired a liaison to work with the merchants and the public.
The final results of the project, which is scheduled for completion in November, should be worth the trade-off, said Vance, whose independent bookstore and cafe uses the now-closed patio area for readings and other events during the spring and summer.
“It’s impacted all of us,” she said, referring to the two dozen businesses around the plaza.
