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October 10, 2006
Luggage king locks up win over eminent domain
Hollywood shopkeeper manages to keep ownership of building in face of redevelopment project
Contra Costa Times
By Bob Pool
Hollywood's luggage king refused to pack his bags and go when Los Angeles officials tried to seize his 60-year-old family business to make room for a high-end hotel development.
Shopkeeper Robert Blue fought back by blasting the city's use of eminent domain with a mocking billboard atop his Bernard Luggage store near the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street.
Then he filed a lawsuit alleging a violation of his due-process rights, and in the process became a symbol of what some residents considered Hollywood redevelopment run amok.
And on Wednesday, the luggage man bagged a victory.
The city and Community Redevelopment Agency leaders announced that Blue's business will stay -- and the largest commercial development in Hollywood history will be built instead around the historic 1928 building containing his valises, suitcases, trunks and travel accessories.
NoLandGrab: Robert Blue stuck it out in his neighborhood through the bad ole times and fought for the right to continue to make a living during the good.
Posted by lumi at October 10, 2006 6:59 AM