Cleaning up blight

I’ve spent a good amount of time in Oroville recently, covering everything from City Council meetings to telemedicine in the local ER. I found an occasion last week to drive through the Montgomery Street roundabout and check out the triangular property nestled right there, south of Montgomery, east of Washington and northwest of Bird Street. Wow, what an eyesore.

Apparently that spot, once the site of a gas station, has been abandoned for over a quarter century. And now, the property has been purchased by a local businessman, Mark Mendez, who also owns The Patio restaurant and Esmeralda Market (which houses the original Bulldog Taqueria). He wants to put in a drive-thru restaurant on the land and, despite some concern about added traffic, his request for a rezone there was approved by the City Council Jan. 16.

I mention all of this because it’s so wonderful to see local people wanting to revitalize blighted areas. As he told the council last month, the property has not been without its problems. Because it used to be a gas station, it’s a current EPA superfund site, meaning it’s required a significant cleanup before the existing building is even demolished. The project will still have some hurdles to clear, but kudos to the Oroville City Council for moving it forward—encouraging local business is good business, in my book.

Speaking of eyesores … There are plenty of them around. I was stopped in traffic recently alongside Chico Scrap Metal and all I can say is, Wow. But it’s not the only offender. I’d love to get some reader feedback on blighted properties in Chico. Drop me a line at meredithc@newsreview.com and I’ll look into ’em for you.

The rumor mill I dropped by The Banshee a few weeks ago and left a message for owner Will Brady. I’d love to chat about his plans for downtown, I told him. Alas, I did not receive a callback. So, here’s what I’ve heard:

First, the spot previously occupied by Lyon Books at 135 Main St. is slated to become Bill’s Towne Lounge. I’ve confirmed this at several levels—architectural plans have been submitted to the city of Chico, plus a liquor license is in the works (put on hold for construction). I used to frequent the Towne Lounge, when it was four blocks down, near Duffy’s Tavern. I know the old “Scrounge” sign is currently on the back patio at B Street Public House, so this seems to be an homage. My question: Who the heck is Bill?

Second, several birdies have whispered in my ear about the future of the northwest corner of Main and Second streets, what used to be Cyclesport. I hear the basement is set to become a wholesale bakery and that the first floor will be a pizza joint. The bakery part makes sense, since Brady is part-owner of Kona’s next door, which operates a wholesale bakery. But I’m curious how it’ll play with Upper Crust Bakery & Cafe just two doors down. Also, more pizza downtown? Aren’t Celestino’s, Woodstock’s and Main Street Pizzeria enough? (Not to mention the gourmet pies at Grana and Crush.) Time shall tell.