Scott Piotrowski, a California Route 66 advocate, reported today on a Route 66 forum that the city council in Arcadia, Calif., has dropped eminent domain proceedings against the historic Rod's Grill at 41 W. Huntington Drive, scheduled for its May 16 meeting agenda.
A Mercedes dealership reportedly wanted the Rod's property for expansion. Route 66 crusaders in the Golden State had been working hard to put the brakes on the development, so they should be commended for their efforts.
But Piotrowski gives this cautionary note:
Those who have spoken to today are all a bit concerned, though, that this is the calm before the storm. The is a feeling that the City Council might have backed down for a variety of reasons now, hoping that once all the smoke clears, there will be clear sailing for eminent domain proceedings to move forward. Among other things, I personally feel that the city might be awaiting more eminent domain developments in the judicial system, as well as some legislative issues that may develop in the coming months.
Well, the Oklahoma Supreme Court this week set a nice precedent by ruling that seizing nonblighted private property for the purpose of economic development was not proper. Maybe Rod's lawyers can cite that ruling to the council. The state supreme court applied the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling regarding eminent domain, so it seems to be on legally sound footing.
For more about recent developments with Rod's, go here.
In the meantime, Rod's is celebrating its 50th anniversary from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday. Car clubs are invited, and the restaurant is rolling back its prices to 1950s levels.
I was born in 1945 in Arcadia California. My fondest memories were of Rod’s Grill with my mother, Father, Grandfather and Uncle. I can’t believe the City of Arcadia would want to tear down a historic icon to make a parking lot. If there is anything I can do to help, please let me know. Rod’s has been a part of my family history for many many years. It’s kind of like taking Elias Jackson Baldwin and Anita Baldwin (who were close friends of my father and grandfather) out of history. Rod’s Grill cannot be replaced. Please let me know what I can do.
Sincerely
Dennis Dawson
337 E. Newman Avenue
Arcadia, Ca
To Route 66 News readers: There’s been a sudden surge of traffic to this site, in particular to read this post about Rod’s Grill, which was posted three weeks ago.
So … what prompted you to come here?
I hope I’m not double posting…
Great to see such support for Rod’s. There’s a new website going up at rodsgrill.com. Also, if you’re Arcadia city voters, please continue to support the Grill by voting this May on Measure A. There are continued plans against the beauty of the downtown area, and continued expansion planned for the Mercedes dealership.
Thanks Again
Lets all do what we can to SAVE ROD’S. I grew up in Monrovia and Arcadia, I have been thousands of times. Great food and priced right. I’m now 40 and live in Colorado, evey year we come back while vacationing. My Grandparents and now my wife an five kids would always enjoy a trip to rods. I love Arcadia, but the city needs to get it to gether. Taking a piece of history away for an auto dealership is insane. I remeber when ford was at the location, they had plenty of room! Come to think of it, a few auto dealers have come and gone at that location. I think it’s a bad location for an auto dealer anyway!
It’s not like city has any revinue broblems….RACE TRACK, WESTFIELD