By Noel Smith
The Property Development Center (PDC), a division of Safeway Inc. and developer of the proposed Rancho Del Mar Center Renovation project announced its progress report on the retention of some current tenants and the submittal of a development pre-application to the County.
Ace Hardware
According to PDC, an agreement has been reached with Ace Hardware. According to the announced agreement, Ace Hardware will continue to operate in its current location until the start of construction after which the store will relocate to temporary space in the shopping center. When the new Safeway Store and the surrounding retail space are completed, Ace Hardware will relocate to space within the newly constructed portion of the Rancho Del Mar Shopping Center.
Rodney Hoffer, owner of Ace Hardware said, “It’s really important for a business to be able to keep its doors open for its customers and maintain its presence in the community. My hat’s off to Safeway for its willingness to work with us so that Ace Hardware can remain a viable business here in Aptos.”
Erik’s Deli
Erik’s Deli will continue its operations in its current location until start of construction. The iconic sandwich, catering and delicafé is looking at options to also locate in the renovated shopping center. The current franchisee, Lindsey Bryant, is leaving the business, which is being taken over by the parent company. As of July 16, the Erik’s Deli in Aptos will be operated by the parent corporation.
Bryant said, “My biggest concern about the business since it became clear that the renovation was going to go ahead, has been for my employees. Erik’s always assured me that they would take care of them if the business closed. I am very happy that now they will be able to continue to serve our customers here in Aptos and hope that Erik’s will always be a part of our community.”
When asked what she will be doing after turning the business over to Erik’s, Bryant said, “I’ve been doing this since I was 16, it’s time to take a breath.”
Businesses Closing
At least three businesses have closed in expectation of the restoration project: Purrfect Girl, Aptos Beauty, and Aptos Burger. Owner Terry Foltz of Aptos Burger was unavailable for comment. Relocating or closing for an extended period is difficult for a small business and as the time for construction begins to draw near, there will be more familiar faces disappearing from the Aptos scene. One businessperson was heard to say, “Actually the faster this project goes from planning to completion, the better it will be for the business community.”
Organized Opposition
A group calling itself ALE, Aptos Local Economies, has started a petition on Change.org in opposition to the project. Their petition in part states, “Most, if not all of the existing merchants will be forced to close their doors due to two years of construction and the recently raised rents that many of the merchants cannot afford.” The main objections of their petitioners seems to be increased traffic, the two year construction period, the displacement of local businesses, and the fact that it is a “multi-national corporation” (the property owner, Safeway) that is redeveloping the shopping center.
Pre-Application Submitted
The PDC filed a pre application to the Santa Cruz County Design Review Group (DRG) on May 30. The plans submitted were the same as those that were presented to the community at the most recent design workshops, which incorporated a number of design changes in response to community input.
“The DRG is comprised of all the agencies that review project proposals (i.e. Planning, Fire, Public Works, Water, etc.). Their review will give us (Safeway) an initial understanding of any technical issues, “said Keith Turner, Safeway director of public affairs. “We will incorporate the DRG’s comments and other refinements reflecting comments from our community meetings into a revised plan which we expect to have ready to submit by early September.”
Turner added that there would be ample opportunity for further community input throughout the process to further shape this project to meet community concerns and goals.
In the meantime, PDC is continuing to work with the existing tenants of the Rancho Del Mar Shopping Center on a case-by-case basis in order to reach fair and equitable solutions.
Also, the Cabrillo College Small Business Development Center is working with the tenants develop business plans and resources that will help them deal with the renovation in order to remain in business in Aptos.
Current Project Schedule
DRG (Pre-Application) Submitted — May 2013 • Community Meeting 3 — August 2013 • Application submitted to County — Fall 2013 • Planning Commission Hearing — To Be Determined (TBD) • Construction Begins — TBD • Completion of Project — TBD.
For ongoing updates or to comment on the renovation please visit www.ranchodelmarcenter.com and for more information about the project contact Deb Karbo: [email protected]
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Some content based on a press release by Keith Turner, Director, Public and Government Affairs, Safeway Inc.