Without an independent appraisal, $1.2 million in redevelopment funds was used to purchase the All Star Dodge dealership in Banning. More than a year later, the property sits vacant, said community activist Philipp Goebels. See full story(Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)
In 2008, the San Gabriel Valley city of Rosemead paid $4.4 million for a hotel that it planned to redevelop. In the interim, city officials leased it to a hotel operator for two years, saying they planned to collect rent each month. But the contract didn’t require the operator to actually make the payments. See full story(Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)
Youngsters in the Crenshaw district walk through the parking lot of Marlton Square, which after many years still sits undeveloped. See full story(Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)
A couch sits in the forlorn driveway of an abandoned home on the northeast side of Banning. See full story(Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)
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The moon rises over abandoned buildings at Marlton Square in the Crenshaw district. See full story(Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)
Developer Randy Wang claimed that Temple City officials solicited bribes in exchange for their support of his $75-million Piazza mall project at Las Tunas and Rosemead boulevards. Work has yet to begin on the proposed 3.7-acre property. See full story(Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)
The Central Valley city of Riverbank spent $1.7 million for the Del Rio Theater in 2007, with plans for an arts venue. A structural evaluation wasn’t ordered until after the sale closed. In 2008, engineers declared the 60-year-old building unsafe, and it now might be razed. See full story(Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)
