The lease is a copy of a copy and difficult to read. This section deals with the use of the rented property.
Marked as Page 2 at 1.1(k) reads as follows:
"USE" - Tenant shall use the premises for the retail sale repair, and loan of jewelry; for a gold buying operation, for the purchase, loan and sale of firearms (but Tenant may not sell ammunition); and for pawn brokering services and for no other purpose whatsoever."
At page 7, Article IV Use of Demised Premises, 4.2(a) "Tenant shall conduct its business in Demised Premises during the hours consistent with a pawn shop operator."
It seems that the land owner Venturi had ample notice that this shop would be used as a Pawn Shop. I understand that he has disclaimed knowledge of the intended use but the lease is one prepared by Venturi and/or lawyer Sams and it is clear that one of the uses was to be a Pawn Shop operation and that this was known as early as 9/8/11 when the lease was typed up.
We know that 8 years ago the same Venturi/Sams combo practically begged the City and area residents to allow a change of usage from residential to business for his 2.91 acres.
So when Venturi claims to other shop Owners in his mall that he was unaware of the intended usage of these 2 units leased by Cruchelow is he a Liar?
I will leave that for you to decide, I have already made up my mind on the matter and I look forward to he and Sams appearing to argue this issue before the City Commission. They can count on my having some comments on the matter.
