Ontario council adopts resolution to pursue eminent domain for Granada Theater revitalization

The Ontario City Council on a unanimous voice vote of the four members present authorized staff to pursue eminent‑domain proceedings to acquire property at 301 North Euclid Avenue for the Granada Theater Revitalization Project.

Associate Attorney Mark Easter told the council the resolution of necessity requires four findings: that the acquisition is for a public use and necessity, that the property is necessary for the project, that the plan minimizes private injury, and that the offer required under state law has been made. "If the council adopts a resolution of necessity," Easter said, "staff and legal counsel will be authorized to file legal proceedings to acquire the property by eminent domain, and the property owner will have an opportunity to claim compensation in those proceedings." (Mark Easter, Associate Attorney).

No members of the public spoke during the hearing. After brief procedural steps the council (moved by Councilmember Wapner and seconded by Councilmember Perata) recorded assent by voice/roll call; the record shows all four present members voted in favor with Councilmember Bowman absent. The city noted that the hearing was continued from May 21 to ensure adequate participation.

The council’s vote authorizes staff and the city attorney to initiate condemnation proceedings; the determination of fair market compensation will be settled in the subsequent legal process. Chair (speaker 1) emphasized the council’s long‑standing interest in downtown revitalization and framed the action as an effort to preserve and restore the Granada’s historic role in the community.

The council did not discuss a specific dollar estimate for acquisition or renovation costs during the hearing. The next procedural step is for city staff and legal counsel to file the appropriate court documents to begin the eminent‑domain process. The council adjourned at the end of the meeting.