Businessman states his case

This letter is in response to an Aug. 30 letter in The Acorn.

I came to Agoura in 1966 and started Agoura Equipment Rental. It was my dream to open a business and raise my family in Agoura.

I felt that every little town needed an equipment yard particularly if a disaster were to strike. Generators, heaters, water pumps are just a few of the pieces of equipment necessary to keep a household running in the event of a disaster and Agoura Equipment Rental could service the community with these necessities.

We are here to help and have helped ever since we opened over 30 years ago.

This town was built on community spirit and it was my dream and desire to be a part of that community spirit. That’s why in 1966 I joined the Kiwanis Club. The club was instrumental in helping with school fundraisers, the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Special Olympics and every other organization that needed our help.

Over the last 30 years, I have donated my time, energy, equipment or whatever else I could to these organizations.

In your article, I was referred to as a "hold out" because I have not accepted an offer made to me by Dan Selleck to purchase the property on Agoura Road where my business is located.

It is Mr. Selleck’s desire to develop a parcel of land along Agoura Road to build a Target and Home Depot. Please understand that I have asked Mr. Selleck to relocate me and he flat out refused.

He made an offer on the property but at no time has he made any kind of offer to move my existing, profitable business.

It’s still my belief that Agoura needs a rental equipment yard. There is property on Canwood Street that the city said Agoura Equipment Rental could move to. The location is not as good as our present location; however, I am willing to move so that Mr. Selleck’s project may move forward provided I receive appropriate compensation for moving my existing business.

After living in Agoura for 34 years I do not want to see big box stores move in. The sense of community that we enjoy here in Agoura is largely due to the efforts of many small businesses.

I have heard about all the tax money that the new stores will bring; but what about the existing businesses such as the Do-It Center, Agoura Building Materials and Roadside Lumber? They’re already paying taxes and unfortunately, the suggested big box stores may put these existing stores out of business. I believe that even Vons, Ralphs and many small businesses will be affected.

I don’t want to stand in the way of progress. I haven’t heard from Mr. Selleck regarding his proposed project since Nov. 3, 1999 so it’s impossible for me to comment on the status of the development.

It’s my sincere hope that proper consideration be given to the small business owners, as well as the members of the community concerned with traffic, congestion and preserving the way of life here in Agoura that we all enjoy.

Mel Adams

Owner

Agoura Equipment Rental