Fresno leaders want to expand Radio Park in the central part of the city and might force the sale of an adjacent business to do so.

On the map, Radio Park looks like a perfect rectangle along Clinton and Yale avenues, between Orchard and First streets — except for the upper right corner, where a Quick Mart convenience store sits.

Infused with state and federal grants, the city has attempted negotiations with Quick Mart’s owner, Mohamed Nasser Salem, for at least four years.

The city wants to expand the park and offer more amenities. A city staff report said expansion ideas include public restrooms, parking lots, fencing, shaded playground and picnic areas, splash park, event plaza, walking paths, artwork, green space, and sports fields.

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What exactly would be built on the one-third acre Quick Mart site — at the northeast corner of Clinton and First — is to be determined. The city wants to acquire and demolish the store.

“Since proposed site drawings detailing the re-planning and reconstruction activities of Radio Park were not available at this time, it is unknown which, if any, of these amenities may be located on the parcel that is being obtained as the focus of this study,” the city said in its report.

Salem’s family said he was not in the country, but told GV Wire they do not want to sell. The Quick Mart is their livelihood, they said.

Real estate records show Salem bought the store in Sept. 2020 for $656,000.

Expansion Part of $6 Million Grant

The project would be paid for from federal ARPA funds, and a state state grant of $6 million.

But, talks have stalled since March. A third-party firm hired by the city valued the property at $813,725. City documents said the owner wanted his own appraisal.

“Since the date of the initial offer, (consultant) HJA acquisition consultants have contacted the Owner’s representatives on 11 occasions by email and telephone calls to discuss the offer to purchase, negotiate a settlement, and to move forward with the acquisition and relocation process. To date, no substantiated counteroffer or a signed Agreement have been received by the City’s consultant,” the city staff report said.

The Fresno City Council is scheduled to consider a Resolution of Necessity on Thursday, the next step for eminent domain — a government’s right to force a sale of private property for a public good.

The park dates back to the 1920s, named for the giant radio tower at its center. For years if not decades, the park gained a sordid reputation — drug use, homeless, and rubbish left behind in the playground.

Dyer: Will Follow Council’s Lead

Although the item on the city council agenda comes from the city’s parks department, Mayor Jerry Dyer said they will let the council debate the decision and carry out its wishes.

“There is an effort to revitalize the park. And with that, to expand its ability to have more parking access. And so I think it would be best to wait till Thursday to hear what comments are made regarding that, as well as any comments that may be, made to oppose that,” Dyer said Tuesday. “If there is a vote towards the eminent domain on that property, then the administration will certainly carry it out.”

Radio Park is located in District 7, represented by Nelson Esparza. He did not make a comment when asked by GV Wire.

Park Goers Mixed

On a hot muggy Fresno summer day, several homeless people gathered in the shade of the playground.

A man who said he’s lived at the park for 20 years and goes by the name 000 G (Triple 0-G) likes the idea of expansion, but not by force.

“That’s a good idea, man. You know, I mean, it’s just that’s a business right there. And I think that’s kind of like, not cool,” 000 G said, in front of the brick wall that separates the park from the Quick Mart.

000 G said Radio Park is a safe place. He and other homeless people help clean up.

‘This is for the kids. You know, we’re older. We have the right to lay down, you know, and enjoy the park. For years we’ve done it,” he said.

On the other side of the park, Bryan Silva of Fresno enjoyed his pizza lunch at a table in the shade. He said even if the city had to force a sale, it would be a good idea.