From today’s Examiner, “The old Hugo Hotel on the corner of Sixth and Howard streets has sat vacant for more than 15 years, but has attracted plenty of attention. “Defenestration,” the installation art piece that features couches, beds and chairs hanging precipitously out of the windows of the building, has certainly turned heads.”

“Olson Lee, a deputy director at the Redevelopment Agency, said the Board of Supervisors recently granted the agency the power of eminent domain in the area around Sixth Street between Market and Harrison streets. That means under certain circumstances the agency can condemn property and force its sale. Lee said this is always a last resort after extensive negotiations.”

“Varsha Patel, whose family owns the building, said the Redevelopment Agency has never offered more than $2 million for the property, which she calls an “insulting offer.” Patel said she’s now negotiating with an interested buyer for more than $4 million.”

She blamed The City for not “cleaning up Sixth Street.” “They can put the low-income people somewhere else … you can be homeless somewhere in Idaho.”

Hear that, Idaho?

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