Residents Speak Out Against Jey's Auto Acquisition

Riverdale Park's mayor and council will vote tonight on whether or not to acquire Jey's Auto through eminent domain.

Although the business at 5731 Baltimore Ave. has remained vacant for more than eight years, owner Jey Edward's lawyer told the council on March 25, that Edward has been trying to plan for a convenience store for years—but each time his plan has been rejected by the town's MUT-C council, which oversees the development along the town's Route 1 corridor.

Councilman Jonathan Ebbeler said that Edward's property is the gateway into Riverdale Park and that the mayor and council would like to find a better use for that property that is more in line with the town's vision for itself in the next 15 to 30 years.

Ebbeler suggested a municipal park that dons a "Welcome to Riverdale Park" sign.

"It’s entirely appropriate to create a green space to offset what may happen with Cafritz," he added.

Ebbeler said the town has offered to buy the property from Edward several times, but to no avail.

Edward's son, Sujey, spoke out at the meeting Monday calling the council "liars" and claimed their offer wasn't fair.

The town offered Edward $500,000 for the property. According to the State Department of Taxation and Assessments, the property is valued at $450,000.

Shanthy Edward, Jey's daughter, also said she believed that because Councilman Alan Thompson and Ebbeler sit both on the town's council and MUT-C board it's a conflict of interest.

Bruce Wernek, president of the Riverdale Park Business Association, said he doesn't agree that eminent domain is the only option.

"It’s not good for economic development," Wernek said. "It would be much better if the town were more supportive of Jey."

Wernek also opposed using the plot of land as a municipal park.

"I personally feel that’s not a good location because I’d think it would [look like] a cemetery because it’s in front of Chambers [Funeral Home]," he added. "I think Beale Circle is a better location for a gateway to Riverdale Park."

He added that the park would cost the town to upkeep, while if Edward improved his property, he'd pay the town taxes.

Resident Joe Kelly also asked that the council continue to support Jey. 

"Give him time to come up with a wise, prudent decision," Kelly added. 

Edward's lawyer also asked the town to take a step back noting that he has pitched ideas, but the council's offer was worth the property's value.

Resident Dwight Holmes said the Route 1 corridor is critical for development and that he understands that the council has been trying to work with the business owner for years, so maybe it's time to do something more.

The council will vote on the acquisition tonight at their 8 p.m. meeting in town hall.