And while she may not be losing "it," the City Council may be losing its place at the Pound Yard compound. As we reported last night, the property was sold to businessman Arun Hotchandani last year by the Novelo's and, now, he's initiating moves to remove the council from the property. Thing is, the council says the Novelo's only paid it $139,000 when the sale price was $1.2 million dollars. That's a million dollars short and Mayor Moya says that if the council didn't get paid in full, then Hotchandani must be understanding.
Zenaida Moya,
"We've met with Mr. Antonio Novelo to try and furnish proof that in fact the full $1.2 million has been paid. That will be dealt with, again, with our lawyers to ensure that those are done. Our records indicate that we have only received payments for $139,000 and that is where we stand. We will not vacate the premises until we get some level of proof; I mean where will we go?"
Keith Swift,
Is that relevant though because the Arun Hotchandani got the land through the bank and he owns the land? The City Council is the one who is left holding nothing.
Zenaida Moya,
"Well again I hope that the public will understand again what the council is going through and ensure that they put some level of pressure to ensure that right is right. We get payment for the Pound Yard property. If that was not made, then we have to make payment now."
Keith Swift,
What do you say to Mr. Hotchandani? He wants to build his mall?
Zenaida Moya,
"Well I fully understand where Mr. Hotchandani is coming from but at the end of the day I hope that he will understand what we're going through. Where will we put our people, where will we put all our equipment, where will we go?"
Keith Swift,
So the City Council will basically be begging to stay in Pound Yard?
Zenaida Moya,
"We're hoping at this point he will cooperate and he will understand our situation."
Best indications are that barring some truly persuasive intervention, Hotchandani is about to give the council 90 days notice of eviction.
