Dimond News

by Hoang Le Banh

Hillcrest Motel to be Demolished! Owners of the Hillcrest Motel decided it was too expensive to operate the motel under the seventeen conditions imposed on them as a result of the public hearing in May. Because the owners refused to sign the compliance plan, the City posted notices on each door of the motel declaring it a public nuisance and giving the residents 30 days to vacate. At the end of that time, which will be September 7, the motel will be boarded up. The owners remain responsible for upkeep, crime prevention, and payment of the $1,000 a day fine until the property is restored to productive use. The owners also bear responsibility for notifying the guests and long-term residents of any refunds or relocation expenses for which they may be eligible. However, concern has risen that the owners are intimidating some residents to leave before they can collect relocation payments. The City, by law, can advance such payments to residents and then bill the motel owners. But the relocation pot at the City has been dry for two years. A DIA board member sent an e-mail to the Dimond e-mail list asking neighbors to encourage the City to advance the relocation payments to the eligible Hillcrest residents. Also, there is discussion about a neighborhood fundraiser to help with relocation costs. At the same time, the motel has a buyer! Escrow is expected to close in December, and plans are to demolish the motel to make way for apartments. This should mark the end of more than two decades of Dimond residents working to have the motel cleaned up or shut down. Keep the momentum going, though, for this should also mark the beginning of important community input on a major block of development. Dimond Business District In July, Crazy John's discount store opened up in the former Albertson's space. The fa?ade has been painted, and the cement and asphalt in front cleaned and restriped to keep cars from parking in pedestrian space, as has been the case for months. Under the leadership of DIA board member Lara Dutto, planning for streetscape and transit improvements centered around Fruitvale and MacArthur is moving along. Also, as part of the plan, the neighborhood surveys are rolling in, and a business attraction committee is forming. Thank you to everyone who completed a survey. Results will be made available in the fall. Dimond Library Closed on Mondays Due to budget cuts, Dimond Library is closed on Mondays. It now operates Tuesday through Saturday with the same hours as before. If you would like to support the library book collection, you can purchase a book for the library from a wish list at Laurel Bookstore or purchase a used book during your next visit to the library to help raise funds. Get Your Dimond T-Shirts! For just $8 you can get a Dimond T-shirt with your choice of several colors and two designs. For more information, visit www.dimondnews.org/shirt.html or the office of Tito Tayco, Treasurer for Dimond Improvement Association, at 2261 MacArthur Blvd. Stay Informed and Involved You can also keep abreast of Dimond neighborhood news at www.dimondnews.org. Check out the message board, calendar, or e-mail list. Also, you might want to join us at the next Dimond Improvement Association (DIA) meeting on September 3, at 7:30 p.m., at Dimond Library. The agenda will include updates and discussions on the Hillcrest, streetscape/transit improvement planning, business attraction, and much more. Hoang can be reached at hbanh\@lmi.net.