Hey guys... i got an email from a friend of mine today that was pretty shocking. Basically her family has owned a resterauant in alameda for quite some time, and now the city is planning on tearing it down and building 17 parking spaces for a new library that they want to put up. Here is the e-mail:

Hello Everyone!

As you know, the city of Alameda plans to take our restaurant (and the house next to
it) and turn it into parking spaces for the library that is being built
next door. My father has owned Gim's Chinese Kitchen in Alameda for almost
20 years and this restaurant has been in business since the 1950's.

Although we do not mind moving, the negotiated amount suggested by the City
does not come close to what we need to relocate. Especially, considering
that we actually own the property and the City plans to take it from us by
using Eminent Domain (which gives the government right to seize private
property for public use, in exchange for payment of fair market value).
And if we were to relocate, it would completely change the dynamic of the
Chinese restaurant.

Attached you will find a couple of websites that Kevin Frederick created to
help us fight against the City. It has the background information
regarding our buildings and how they have historical significance not only
to our family but to the City as well.

http://www.geocities.com/lincoln2320...olnAvenue.html

http://www.geocities.com/lincoln2320...clippings.html


If at all possible, I would appreciate it if you guys can send out an
e-mail to our Mayor and the four City Council members to express your
concerns and support of keeping Gim's Chinese Kitchen open in it's current
location.

Here is a list of contact info for the Alameda city officals:

Beverly Johnson
Mayor
Voice 510 747-4701
E-Mail bjohnson@ci.alameda.ca.us


Tony Daysog
Vice Mayor
Voice 510 747-4722
E-Mail tdaysog@ci.alameda.ca.us

Frank Matarrese
Councilmember
Voice 510 747-4726
E-Mail fmatarrese@ci.alameda.ca.us

Barbara Kerr
Councilmember
Voice 510 747-4728
E-Mail bkerr@ci.alameda.ca.us

Marie Gilmore
Councilmember
Voice 510 747-4729
E-Mail mgilmore@ci.alameda.ca.us


There is also more info up at http://www.savegims.com

Thanks in advance for any help anyone here can provide.

Cheers, (and enjoy)

Aaron

 

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that sux... stupid geocites

 

an alternative letter is here, please use the name of the appropriate city offical and sign your name at the bottom.


Dear <insert officials name here>,

As a patron of Gim’s Chinese Kitchen, I’m writing to encourage you to rethink your position on forcing Gim’s to relocate. I’m appalled by the thought of this small, family owned restaurant being pushed out of the way by the County, using Eminent Domain laws as leverage -- and for a parking lot no less! While I understand that the new library requires spaces for people to park, I would like to encourage you to develop a plan that would allow the library to coexist with Gim’s in it’s current location.


Sincerely,

insert name here

 

thanks don!!!!

 

Fight the man! I'll send an email

 

I remember you telling us about this at Monkey's Cafe meet. Emails have been sent out to everyone. Let us know how this turns out for them.

-Jeff

 

ill handle a e-mail as well...please let us know the results

Zee

 

thanks guys!!!!

we should have an i-club meet at the city council meeting on july 6th!

 

Remember, you CANNOT challenge Eminent Domain. Once they hit you with that stick, you can't do anything about it. What you need to do is get a lawyer to ensure the settlement is enough for relocation and whatnot. If it's played right you can get much improved facilities and a better location. Good luck with this, I too hate seeing established family businesses screwed by the Evil Council. It happens in Stockton all the time.

 

i agree...we went over this in real estate finance & corporate law classes (that covered personal & business laws). if the city claims that property under the eminent domain clause, you will be better off hiring a lawyer who might get you fair compensation for the move.

goodluck and let us know if there's anything more that we can do.

db

 

sent a email also. goodluck

 

Here is his reply that he emailed to me:

Dear Mr. Brachhausen,
*
Sorry for the delayed reply, but I do want to thank you for taking time out to write and express your opinion regarding potential resolution of necessity at 2320 and 2322 Lincoln, the site of Gim’s. I appreciate your interest and point of view and it will help me as I work with my colleagues on the City Council to come to a decision which provides the best possible main library for Alameda and provides fair treatment for a long standing local family business.
*
*
Frank Matarrese
Alameda City Council



-Well... he's trying to sound optimistic but hopefully he'll make the right decision.