Council Talks Manabe-Ow, Liquor Licenses

The Watsonville City Council will bite off a big agenda at Tuesday night's meeting, covering topics ranging from high school students' college visits to the mid-year budget review.

But the most exciting agenda item may be the resolution that would move the much-debated Manabe-Ow Business Park a step closer toward reality.

The city council will be asked to approve an agreement with Devcon Construction, Inc., for up to $406,212 to design the infrastructure for the business park on the west edge of town.

Manabe-Ow began as a Redevelopment Agency project to create more business-friendly space in the city. But the project was put in jeopardy as the economy declined and there are questions about the viability of the business park, especially since Gov. Jerry Brown disbanded redevelopment agencies across the state earlier this year.

Funding for the infrastructure design contract comes from a portion of the $750,000 in funds provided by the Redevelopment Agency before the organization ended. The work must be completed by Sept. 12.

The city council also is expected to approve the continued sale of beer and wine at an East Lake Avenue gas station. While , exceptions have been made for vendors outside of high-crime areas. The special use permit for Union 76 was first approved in August 2010.