We originally reported back in April that negotiations with a tenant were almost done, but that obviously didn't happen in the timely manner people had hoped for.
Since then we have stayed in contact trying to determine what was going on, what was holding things up, and when the name of this mystery tenant who supposedly has been in long-term negotiations would be revealed.
But as the months keep passing by, local residents are left wondering, "Will a store ever move into the old Pacific Market location?" While hard facts were difficult to come by, rumors began to circulate amongst people about who was moving in and what was causing the hold-ups at Mountain Shadows Plaza.
When asked for comment on the situation agents at Keegan and Coppin cited confidentiality agreements but noted that they have only been in negotiation with one party. Based on that information it would seem unlikely that the original business from April has fallen out.
This is a small town and as such people are prone to overhear conversations and see people meeting to discuss business ventures in the area. Unconfirmed sources reported seeing people meeting at the Pacific Market site in September. There were also unconfirmed reports that Kevin Kopp and Jeffrey Boyd, principles of Cazco Asset Management Inc. that owns the shopping center, were upset at the inability to get the deal completed possibly due to issues with permits and costs.
But details of that situation are murky at best. When contacted at his Arizona office by phone Mr. Kopp declined to comment on the matter until conferring with legal counsel as to not jeopardize any financial dealings. At the time of this writing he has not returned additional calls.
As any permit related issues involve the city government, a call was placed to Mayor Jake Mackenzie. He confirmed with the Planning Commission that no new permit applications had been submitted for a grocery business.
"We officially in the city do not have an application for a new business to establish itself in that site. It is very unfortunate for those of us who live on north end of town as there is a huge gap in the amenities of our city."
He went on to say that, "As a city we are very committed in expediting any application for a business to be located in that site to continue the tradition of Roger Wilco or Pacific Market as a large neighborhood super market and it is a great interest to us on the City Council and our economic interests."
When discussing permits and cost with the city's Planning and Building Manager, Marilyn Ponton, she stated that the planning and zoning fees are listed on the city's website long with the city's General Plan and Zoning Code. Compared to nearby cities, the costs listed seem comparable.
As the seasons shift to fall there is growing unease that even if a deal is reached, a new tenant would not be able to move into the site until spring. Most businesses would need time to modify the interior and exterior of the building to meet their layout needs. Additionally they would likely want the parking lot resurfaced before opening their doors for business to the community.
So for now people watch and wait. Businesses within the plaza stay hopeful because any large anchor store will bring more potential customers to the neighborhood while many residents continue to hope that a grocer will move in.
If it is a grocery store who would it be? While nobody has provided a name or even a rumor of a name, the top two guesses would be Bashas' Market and Ray's Food Place. Both grocery chains currently have a store located within other Cazco owned shopping centers. Logistically Ray's Food Place makes the most sense as they have 18 stores within California with the closest in nearby Cloverdale. Another store further south would seem like a reasonable extension of their chain. Bashas' is a much larger chain with 130 stores, but is only located in Arizona.
But for now that is just speculation which is the only game we can play because of confidentiality agreements.
What type of store would you like to see in this location?
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