The saga of Riverside Market continues. Last night, the Fort Lauderdale City Commission decided that the parking lot that had been awarded to taxi czar Jesse Gaddis would go back up for bid.
Riverside Market owner Julian Siegel is pleased, albeit guarded. "The only way the ruling is in my favor is that it was not awarded to the other side," he said. Another bid for nearly double the first listing means several months more of this go-round that will ultimately determine the fate of his restaurant.
That Siegel had the opportunity to protest the sale of the city-owned
land next to his building was unusual, the result of a technicality:
When the city placed the ad
in newspapers for the date for sale of the land, the date was was
incorrect.
When he followed up with city officials to express dismay over the sale
of the land to Gaddis, he promptly received a letter and an email
indicating that he would have the opportunity to make his case last
month. More than 50 people showed up to support Riverside, dressed in
yellow
T-shirts that read "Save Riverside Market" and "Support Local
Business."
restaurant said that it "increased property values" and that "you cannot put a
price on what makes a community feel good."
Questions remain about how Siegel shall proceed in limbo, since he
cannot obtain a liquor license until the parking situation has been
resolved. Will he have to stop selling beer consumed on premise? Clean Plate Charlie will keep you updated as details unfold.
