TC - 03-31-99f
PAUL YOUNG
Jenny's Bridal and Photo Studio
3351 Del Mar Avenue
Rosemead, CA 91770
(626) 307-0871
March 31, 1999
Traffic Commission
City of Rosemead
8838 E. Valley Boulevard
Rosemead, CA 91770
RE: Red Curbing in front of 3351 Del Mar Avenue
Dear Sirs and Madams:
I am writing with regards to the actions taken by the traffic commission in painting the curbside in
front of my commercial business red. My representative, Melissa W. Woo, contacted Jessica,
your liaison at City Hall to inquire about the time-frame in which the proposal to paint the
curbside in front of my commercial business red was discussed and put into effect.
Ms. Woo indicated to me that prior to the time that a City undertakes to commence such acts, the
business owners must be given notice about the City's proposal so that business owners would
have an opportunity to attend meetings by the traffic commission wherein these issues would be
discussed and therefore, have an opportunity to voice any objections. However, based on Ms.
Woo's discussions with Jessica, Ms. Woo informed me that the proposal to paint the curbside in
front of my commercial business red had been discussed for at least a year prior to March 18,
1999 (the approximate date in which the curbside was painted curb). As such, I was never
notified or informed of such plans by the City of Rosemead as I did not enter into a lease for the
premises of 3351 Del Mar Avenue ("Del Mar Property") until approximately October of
November of 1998.
At this point in time, I am even unaware of whether or not the prior tenants who were also the
owners, were ever informed of such plans to paint the curbside in front of the Del Mar Property
red. If these prior tenants were informed, they certainly did not inform me of the City of
Rosemead's plans prior to or at the time I signed a commercial lease for the Del Mar Property.
Ms. Woo is currently in the process of collecting the original proposal, any and all traffic study
reports written by the engineer relating to the "red curbing" in front of the Del Mar Property, any
and all notices which were provided relating to this proposal, and any and all minutes from
meetings wherein this proposal was discussed. If the prior tenants and owners had been informed,
maybe my remedy would be against them. However, 1 have chosed to attempt to resolve this
issue with the City of Rosemead.
f'
As you may understand, I am not happy with the City of Rosemead's decision to "red curb" the
front of the Del Mar Property. Certainly, if I would have known about such plans, I would have
adamantly objected. Additionally, I would not have entered into a 3-year lease for such property
if I would have know that my customers would not have anywhere to park their vehicles. I have
already spent numerous funds remodeling the Del Mar Property which was previously known as
"Mister Meat" for my Bridal Shop and Photography studio. I certainly would not have expended
such funds had I known about the City of Rosemead's plans.
As you may be aware, I have operated my business in the City of Rosemead for almost 15 years.
Prior to leasing the Del Mar Property, I operated my business across the street at 3312 Del Mar
Avenue. For these past 15 years, I have been contributing to the taxes received by Rosemead by
virtue of the fact that I choose to operate my business in the City of Rosemead. For 15 years, I
have never seen the curbside across the street painted red. I understand that the City of
Rosemead took these actions or painting the curbside in front of the Del Mar Property red and the
widening of the East Side of the street for the safety of oncoming traffic and I don't expect, the
City of Rosemead to undo their plans. I, however, do expect that the City of Rosemead take my
business into consideration and reach a compromise so that my business does not continue to
suffer.
The income from my bridal shop and photography studio is the sole means of support for myself
and my family of six. Not only do I have one child who attends college, I have another child who
will be attending college in the two years and two other minor children who will be attending high
school in the next couple of years. The actions of the City of Rosemead have been "detrimental"
and have seriously interfered with the successful operation of my business.
Based upon my 15 years of experience in the bridal industry, it is a nature of the business to have
frequent "pick-ups" and "drop-offs" of gowns, tuxedos, etc. My customers, however, are now
inconvenience because they can no longer quickly and efficiently "pick-up" and "drop-off' rentals
or purchases. I do not believe that I am being difficult or demanding in that I would like the City
of Rosemead to consider changing the color of the curbside in front of my business from "red" to
"green" which would be a 20 minute zone. I can't say that this solution would make me feel
"whole" as I feel that I have already been damaged both emotionally and economically by the City
of Rosemead's actions. However, I am making this proposal as a "compromise" to amicably
resolve this matter so that I can concentrate on the successful operation of my business.
If you have any further questions in this regard or wish to further discuss the foregoing, please
don't hesitate to contact me at the phone number stated above or my representative Melissa Woo
at (213) 430-1900.
With Regards,
Paul Young
cc: Jessica, Staff Liaison to Traffic Commission at Rosemead City Hall
Ana, Owner of Del Mar Property