SAN DIEGO (KGTV) – Local businesses have more time to relocate after ABC 10News called the property’s owner, SANDAG.
Street Auto Service was told to relocate within four months for the MTS bus project.
“Nineteen years is a long time. I’m in a great location and have a lot of customers here, so it’s really shocking,” Scott Ward said. He has been the owner of “A” Street Auto Service in downtown San Diego for almost 20 years. However, activity at this location has almost come to an end.
“This is my entire livelihood. I’ve worked hard for this,” Ward said.
A few days ago, Scott received a notice from Epic Land Solutions that the property owner was terminating his tenancy. The letter said they had 120 days to leave the country.
The property owner is the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG).
Why does SANDAG want to eliminate Ward’s automotive business? Over $1 Million MTS Downtown Bus Stop Project.
SANDAG said the project is not moving forward and has not yet been funded.
“There’s a lot of stuff, a lot of equipment, a lot of equipment,” Ward explained of the final move. “And the new building has to have signage, prep, and racks installed. It’s going to be a tough transition.”
On Thursday, ABC 10News reached out to SANDAG about the notice.
A spokesperson said the agency made a mistake and sent out the notice too soon. They aren’t close to moving forward, but Scott has a little more time. This is welcome news for business owners.
“We still have to find a new location,” Ward said. “It’s going to take more than 120 days to actually do anything. And it’s not that easy to move stores.”
Scott said he knows he will eventually have to move, but he has a lot of equipment that could be moved to a new location, so any extra time would be a big help. .
Mr Ward said the move would be difficult.
“It’s too much trouble to have to close here and reopen over there,” Ward said.
SANDAG told ABC 10News the bus stop project is still in the preliminary stages and construction could begin within the next few years.
