The Glendale Redevelopment Agency approved four motions Tuesday
afternoon that will initiate the process of clearing the 15.5-acres
for the Americana at Brand, a proposed outdoor shopping center.
The council unanimously approved motions that will allow the city
to hire private contractors to draw up bid specifications for
removing hazardous materials from and demolishing buildings on the
property.
The council also agreed to pay Caruso Affiliated Holdings, the
project developer, $70,000 to serve as construction manager during
the demolition phase. After the land is cleared, the city must give
the property to Caruso Affiliated. City officials said having Caruso
Affiliated serve as construction manager will ensure that the land is
in acceptable condition.
The council also initiated eminent domain proceedings to acquire
the interest in Just Tires, 243 S. Brand Blvd. Officials from Just
Tires said that they would rather be incorporated in the Americana
than be relocated within Glendale. Eminent domain gives officials the
authority to acquire property at fair market value when it's deemed
in the city's best interests.
Josh Kleinbaum
