PLENTY EMPTY: The corner of Manhattan Beach and Sepulveda Boulevard contains an empty lot that has been vacant since 2009, and residents have recently filed complaints, wanting the lot to be filled.
By Kayla Samimi
Staff Writer
Manhattan Beach citizens have been filing complaints to the city regarding two empty lots located on the corner of Manhattan Beach and Sepulveda boulevards, known as the south and north parcels, that have been vacant since February 2009.
Rite Aid received city approval in 2009 to build a 13,000-square foot store in the area, but due to financial problems, Rite Aid never began construction.
The south parcel currently contains Mr. Liquor’s Mart, Peak Fitness Studio and a commercial office that the tennants abandoned six years ago in order to make room for construction. The north parcel was formerly a local gas station that was torn down and fenced up to make room for construction as well.
“Rite Aid has the area leased for a total of 50 years,” Community Development Director Marisa Lundstedt said. “Therefore, they have many privileges over the property for that amount of time.”
According to Manhattan Beach Mayor Wayne Powell, many residents have complained to the city and suggested creating a temporary parking lot until something more permanent can be decided on.
“I am definitely concerned that there is still nothing in the area after so many years,” Manhattan Beach resident Mina Arnao said. “It is definitely in a prime location of Manhattan Beach and, therefore, should not remain empty.”
The Manhattan Beach City council recently held a discussion on May 5 where Lundstedt and Planning Manager Laurie Jester received permission from Rite Aid for an interior inspection of the area. With this inspection, the city will be able to decide if the area should be considered a nuisance, and, if so, will ask Rite Aid to fix this problem.
The City’s Code Enforcement Officer Jacqueline Harris has already held several site inspections that found several problems such as termite infestation and broken windows.
“Hopefully, these inspections will cause Rite Aid and the landowners to get serious about rectifying this eyesore and embarrassment to our community,” Powell said.
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