To frame it succinctly, “We are here to stay,” Mr. Saez said.
One Interpretation
According to the lease the Saez brothers first signed a decade ago with the MTA, The Jungle may be forced to move “for transportation only.” Their lawyer interprets that to mean, having the rails literally run through the grounds of The Jungle.
It does not mean, based on this understanding, being evicted to accommodate any part of the business/residential complex.
“That was the first round in court, and the MTA lost,” Mr. Saez said with a smile. “They filed a motion for a summary judgment, and the judge denied the motion.
And Next?
“We have no clue what they intend to do next.
“This is very good news. Based on the strength of our lease, we feel we will prevail (the next time and the next time) in a courtroom.”
Most small and medium-sized businesses in the vicinity of The Jungle, at the intersection of Washington and National boulevards, have been forced to shut down.
A Changing Landscape
Both City Hall and the MTA have been aggressively clearing acres of space for the MTA’s anticipated 9-mile light rail line and the accompanying commercial/residential complex.
Coincidentally, The Jungle’s lease with the MTA expires about the time that Culver City’s elevated light rail terminal is scheduled to open in 2010.
The Search Never Stops
As triumphant as Carlos, Jorge, Julio and Gerard Saez were feeling after last week’s courtroom success, Gerard Saez said that “of course” they are continuing their nearly year-long search for expansion or alternate property.
After all, they have faced imminent eviction on at least 4 occasions — last September, December, January and April. They may have figured out how to play the game, but they are in no danger of growing overconfident given the fluidity of private enterprise in the neighborhood.
How Permanent Is Permanent?
The Saez brothers are not under any illusion that their sprawling green inventory, at 8817 Washington, is safe for any definable length of time.
Which is why they are not relaxing in hunting for their next suitable property.
