Update On Prominent Vacant Lot Comes to Commission

It's both an eyesore and a potential economic opportunity. The vacant lot at the intersection of San Pablo and Tennent avenues surely looks like blight, not only to Pinole residents but to commuters who pass by. The lot's status will come before the Economic Development and Housing Committee at a meeting Tuesday night.

Some community organizations, including the Pinole Chamber of  Commerce, have proposed that the fenced property is unsightly and could be turned into a temporary park space until the city can find a developer to transform it. That informal proposal might include a rock garden with some benches and light landscaping. The chamber has proposed that civic organizations like it and the Pinole Garden Club would volunteer to build and maintain the site.

Some city officials, however, have balked at the idea. They are concerned that a park-like use would end up requiring scarce city resources, become an unwelcome "hangout" and become permanent. If it became permanent, the city would not collect property and sales taxes from a new development, they argue.

Pinole Community Development Manager Mary Drazba is scheduled to give the commission a verbal update on the site at the 7 p.m. meeting in the Community Room at 2131 Pear St.

The fencing currently enveloping the site costs the city about $200 per month. A potential developer showed some interest in the site a few years ago, but backed out when the economy took a less robust turn.

The vacant lot, along with empty storefronts in town, indicate the recent slowed pace in economic development in Pinole. However, two new restaurants are scheduled to open across the street from the lot in the spring.