City May Block "The Edge" Nightclub Re-opening

Fresno, CA         |   Watch Video Above for More Information on this Story   |

"When Cabo Wabo went out, the work had never been completed, so the building is incomplete from its original construction, Cabo Wabo is incomplete, we're missing handicapped accessibility and there's about a three page list of things that isn't complete."

Assistant City Planning Director Jerry Bishop says new renovations underway inside also need permits. He's not sure the grand opening date can be met.

"I don't know if they could complete the work in three days. But to do the work, you have to have a permit."

Fresno businessman Kirk Vartanian is taking over the troubled operation. He says he hopes to get something worked out with the city. But the city has thrown him another monkey wrench, saying no permits will be issued until a 60 thousand dollar water bill is paid.

While the future of the nightclub is up in the air, the nearby ball fields are back in action. Landscape contractor Larry Sellers spent his own money to restore the fields.

"A lot of people are telling me they didn't even know it was open again, a lot of folks that are coming to play tournaments. So I want it to get out that it's open and it's doing well. If we could just get people to come in and play, we can keep it open." Sellers said.

The restaurants, nightclubs and baseball fields were all part of the Granite Park plan by developer Milt Barbis. He convinced the city of Fresno to co-sign a five million dollar loan for the ball fields, which were supposed to be operated by a separate non- profit entity.

Larry Sellers says there is no profit, and says the continued troubles at the nearby nightclubs aren't helping.

"The last time they had the raid over there we had a tournament planned and we had eleven teams cancel."

The raid occurred last month and involved local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. They are believed to be investigating allegations of fraud.

Vartanian says they have nothing to do with him. He says he is planning to buy the nightclub complex, which includes three separate operations once they are in foreclosure. He hopes to open "The Edge" this week, and the others in the near future.

    MORE BUSINESS NEWS | TWEET@ABC30 | FREE ABC30 WIDGET
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sign up for Breaking News Alerts
Breaking News E-Mail Alerts | Text Message Alerts
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
More News on abc30.com
Local | California/State | National | Weather | Entertainment | Politics | Sports | Health Watch | Consumer Watch | Mr. Food |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright © 2024 KFSN-TV. All Rights Reserved.