‘Dilapidated’ May Co. Sparks Buena Park’s Ire : City Council: Officials, who have been trying to improve their city’s aging mall, called the store unsafe and ugly and refused to grant a sign request.

BUENA PARK — The City Council assailed officials of May Co. department store this week for failing to maintain their store in the Buena Park Mall.

Saying it was unsafe, ugly and an “embarrassment to the city,” the council Monday refused to grant the department store a variance to advertise a new bargain center on the store’s lower level.

“They have a dilapidated store, poor merchandise and an unmaintained building. . . . I have a problem with turning Buena Park into their corporate dumping ground,” Councilman Donald L. Bone said.

Ron Kline, vice president of planning for May Co., refused to comment on the condition of the store. Instead, he said he would alert company officials about the council’s concerns. “I have a feeling there is a lot of hostility being taken out on one request,” Kline told the council.

The company was seeking permission to put up an illuminated sign directing people to the Home Clearance Center, which contains discount-priced merchandise from May Co. stores throughout the region.

In an earlier decision, the Planning Commission had agreed to allow several other signs on the property, except the illuminated one. The council stipulated, however, that May Co. had to make repairs before the sign permits would be issued.

The action Monday reverses the Planning Commission decision, therefore disallowing the already approved signs.

Improving the aging mall has been a priority for city officials during the past several years. The mall was recently placed in a redevelopment zone to give business owners willing to spruce up their buildings financial assistance.

In light of the recent efforts, council members expressed anger that a portion of the store was made a budget shop without their consent. “There is nothing we can do about the clearance center. I sure as hell don’t want to direct people to it.” said Councilwoman Rhonda J. McCune.