Restaurant in the Works for Mervyn's Lot

For many in San Lorenzo, it would be a dream come true.

 A new eatery could soon occupy part of the old Mervyn's lot, a longtime eyesore at the heart of the community, bringing with it the promise of 150 new jobs. 

Though he couldn't name the restaurant, Economic Development Director Bill Lambert said that the Bohannons, who own the property, have signed a letter of intent with the as-yet-unnamed eatery.  

"It’s a purchase," Lambert told the San Lorenzo Citizens Advisory Committee Wednesday evening. "They’ve agreed to all the terms. Now they just have to feed it to the lawyers."

Anything could still happen, Lambert warned. But an agreement seems close.  

Lambert also announced that the county redevelopment agency was close to a deal that would also bring a pharmacy to the west side of Hesperian Boulevard.

"The decision to put a pharmacy there is working its way up the corporate ladder," he said. 

Both developments are part of a larger project supported by the redevelopment agency that would include senior housing and a village square on the east side of Hesperian and a new commercial heart to the west. 

A portion of the property is also under consideration by the Alameda County Fire Department as the possible site of an updated fire station. 

If even a few of the projects were realized, downtown San Lorenzo would look a lot different than it has for the past decade.  

But much of the project remains on hold while the Alameda County Redevelopment Agency and the County Board of Supervisors mull a decision that would cost the county millions annually if adopted. 

The Board of Supervisors could address that issue as soon as next Tuesday.

Check back with San Lorenzo Patch for further updates on this developing story.