Submitted by Fox First at Ten on November 14th
SPOKANE, Wash. - For 99 years, Stanek's Nursery on the South Hill has been a 27th Avenue mainstay.
But now, the owners are closing up shop, and they say it's all because of their parking lot.
The nursery will shut down on January 15th because of a disagreement with the city of Spokane.
The parking lot is on Spokane Park's property. The Stanek's were only allowed to use it because of an agreement several decades ago.
When they recently decided to sell the business, the city said the land could not be put up for sale without a public vote.
The nursery has 14 employees.
Nursery owner Tim Stanek provided KHQ with the following statement.
"To All My Customers:
It is bittersweet that I inform you of my decision to close Stanek's Inc., my family's ninety-nine year old Garden Center business. Our last day of business, as I can forecast now, shall be January 15, 2013. All inventory and store displays will be liquidated.
My decision is based upon a lease conflict with the Spokane Parks Department regarding a section of property east of my business that is used for our main parking area. I have rejected their lease terms.
On behalf of my Grandfather, my dad Frank Sr. and mother Helen, my brother Frank Jr. and his wife Charm, brothers Larry, Steve, Joe, my wife Jean, along with our tremendous loyal staff, we all thank you, our customers, for the patronage and support you have given to this small, community based, business.
Thank you.
Tim Stanek"
