‘DEAR RON’ LETTERS

Ron Davis is absolutely wrong in his assumption that a complete

renovation of the Huntington Beach mall requires a single ownership to

fulfill a unified theme (“City leaders’ reticence will lead to ‘mishmash’

mall”, Nov. 30). The majority of major malls across the nation are

cooperatively developed and managed with multiple property ownerships.

Retailers and developers are accustomed to cooperative ventures. Perhaps

it is because Davis is not a retailer or a developer that he has some

difficulty believing a cooperative and positive process is possible.

On behalf of Wards, we believe it is possible. In fact, we are more

than ready to begin.

Let’s remember it was only one year ago this month the new mall owner

purchased the mall. Don’t blame them for the years of prior ownerships

that failed to do anything. And don’t blame Wards for not heavily

investing in a blighted mall that, until now, had no willing and

financially capable owner (retailers and developers will understand). And

don’t blame the City Council, whose frustration regarding the mall is

understandable. It is time to move forward.

Let me say this again: Wards is committed to a complete renovation of

its buildings and property in a manner compatible and integrated with the

new mall. We stand ready with the financial, planning and retail

resources and talent to make this happen. We have suggested the

establishment of a City Council subcommittee to assure good cooperation

and to provide oversight so the mall properties are beautifully

integrated. We are flexible with respect to maximizing the use of Wards

property. We have provided the city with a list of possible retailers or

restaurateurs with whom we have established relationships for possible

inclusion on our property. Davis’ implication of empty promises is

undeserved.

The City Council’s decision emphasized the kind of leadership that

brings parties with differing roles and visions together. Davis might

think the dictatorship of a single owner is more efficient, but we prefer

a more democratic process that respects the rights and opinions of all

involved. While Davis decries the creation of committees, let’s remember

the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and the Declaration of Independence

were all created by committees whose members had “different visions,

objectives and abilities.”

OK, so our objective is not as lofty, but it is certainly achievable.

PHILLIP R. SCHWARTZE

The PRS Group

* EDITOR’S NOTE: The PRS Group is a real estate consulting firm

representing Wards.