Money approved for restrooms, Desert Inn Motel

Thursday, Jan. 22, 2009 | 3:46 p.m.

Money approved for public restrooms

The Redevelopment Agency Tuesday approved up to $200,000 for exterior improvements and to build wheelchair-accessible bathrooms at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power building, 600 Nevada Way.

The City Council was expected to approve a contract for $172,565 for the work on Jan. 27. The council members also make up the RDA board.

The public restrooms for tourists and downtown shoppers will be ADA accessible, a federal regulation.

The board approved the capital and special projects funding 3-2. Members Travis Chandler and Linda Strickland voted no.

Chandler said the project was too expensive, and Strickland was disappointed City Manager Vicki Mayes couldn't provide the future bathrooms' hours of access and cost of maintenance and policing.

Motel gets funds to fill in pool, pave lot

The board approved $9,726 for Desert Inn Motel, 800 Nevada Way, to fill its long-empty swimming pool and to repave the parking lot.

Ishwar Patel, the motel's owner, said the entire project will cost him $32,420, including the RDA money.

Patel said in the future he also plans to stucco the building and install a new roof, but he can't afford it now.

The board approved the funding 4-1. Councilman Travis Chandler voted no.

Mayor Roger Tobler, sitting as the RDA chairman, said he struggled giving money to businesses that let properties fall into disarray, but was glad Patel planned to fix the place up.

Cassie Tomlin can be reached at 948-2073 or cassie.tomlin@hbcpub.com.