Diablo Motors Plans to Move, Expand

is asking to borrow $20,000 from the city's Redevelopment Agency to move and expand elsewhere in town.

Greg Meier founded the company in San Ramon in 1994 at 3211 Fostoria Way – in a neighborhood full of car service and other industrial or warehouse-type businesses.

The plan is to move it about a mile southeast to the former building at 2085 San Ramon Valley Blvd. – putting it in full view of motorists on one of the city's busiest roadways.

Diablo Motors sells used cars, specializing in sport-luxury and sport-utility vehicles, according to the company website. It also has a full service center.

Meier's company has made the Better Business Bureau's honor roll for 16 straight years, the city says.

Because the new site is located within a designated redevelopment area in San Ramon, Meier is asking for a commercial rehabilitation loan.

The redevelopment agency is responsible for revitalizing some parts of the city to include either affordable housing or more sales tax generators. So granting the loan would fit in with the agency's goals, notes city analyst Joe Tanner in a staff report recommending that City Council OK the loan at tonight's meeting.

The loan will pay for new windows, landscaping and parking lots, according to the city. Meier plans to lease part of the new building to an auction company, which should help him pay back the loan and bring in more sales tax for the city, the staff report says.

The proposed term of the loan is 10 years, which would be immediately due if the business closes.

At a glance

WHAT: Redevelopment Agency meeting

WHEN: 6 tonight, right before the City Council meeting

WHERE: City Council Chamber, 2222 Camino Ramon

INFO: 925-973-2500

AGENDA: www.ci.san-ramon.ca.us