Councilman Ray Luna asked if the original funds slated for the Glen Tavern Inn loan would be returned to the Community Development Block Grant account.The money will be available for future use, said Bobkiewicz.Councilman John Procter asked if jobs are guaranteed through the Glen Tavern Inn loan using RDA funding. “I have some concerns” that the new contract would not define employment requirements, he noted.Only the funding source changed, but all other guidelines remain the same, said Bobkiewicz.“When we look at Redevelopment Agency money, one term is blight,” noted Procter. “To see a gem fade away is blight in progress. What we are offering is just a very small amount of what their total investment is. I’ve looked at the inn for years,” hoping that someone would revitalize the property.
City Council: Glen Tavern Inn loan funding switched to RDA
June 01, 2005
Santa Paula City Council
The City Council, seated as the Redevelopment Agency Board of Directors, approved a loan for a local startup business after it learned that the original funding source would have taken too long.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesThe City Council, seated as the Redevelopment Agency Board of Directors, approved a loan for a local startup business after it learned that the original funding source would have taken too long. The council approved a loan for $46,000 in RDA funds for the Glen Tavern Inn to purchase kitchen equipment at the May 16 meeting.Rosanna and Tom Jennet have owned the historic Glen Tavern Inn for more than a year. The Jennets have leased the kitchen to the operators of The Sidecar Restaurant in Ventura, who had hoped to open the restaurant in June. The Jennets have extensively remodeled the inn as well as the dining and kitchen areas.The council had earlier approved the loan from Community Development Block Grant funds, but learned that the paperwork could take almost two months. “We’re asking you for a modification” to change the funding source, said City Manager Wally Bobkiewicz. He said that RDA money is tight, but “because of the importance of this project,” the decision was made to adjust the RDA budget and use the funds. The city will charge 5.25 percent interest on the 10-year loan, as well as a $900 administration fee; the total payback will be $60,145.“One of the big responsibilities of our Redevelopment Agency is to support” business creation, said Eric Barragan during public comment.
