Rod’s Grill continues to take a stand

The Arcadia (Calif.) Weekly has a follow-up story about the saga between Rod’s Grill, a longtime Route 66 restaurant in Arcadia, and a nearby Mercedes-Benz dealership that wants the property for an expansion.

Rusnak Mercedes-Benz wanted the city to seize Rod’s Grill. The owner of the restaurant has refused to negotiate with the city “on principle.”

Rusnak is convinced that its expansion is prohibited by the neighboring Rod’s Grill, an old-fashioned diner bordering Route 66, and Elk’s Lodge, also located in the same section of downtown Arcadia. Both Rod’s Grill and Elk’s Lodge have turned down offers to purchase their businesses.

While Arcadia Mayor Bob Harbicht admits that no significant progress has been made recently, he remains optimistic. “There haven’t really been any new developments; we’re still pursuing it. We’re trying to talk about buying from Rod’s owner.”

But the owner in question, Manny Romero, does not plan on selling. “The city is looking for ways to accommodate the dealership, but we have nothing to do with it,” he says. “It’s the city’s responsibility.”

Arcadia voters passed a referendum in May 2007 that prevents the city from using eminent domain to seize privately owned businesses. So it appears the situation is in limbo.

Eminent domain remains a hot issue, and I’m on Romero’s side here. However, I think eminent domain should remain an option for municipalities that wish to protect properties that are on the state or National Register of Historic Places. Cities should have the option to shield historic properties from ignorant or greedy land owners.