Car Parts Warehouse Settles With PARTA, Looking for new Kent Location

Now that a sale price has been agreed on, the owners of the in downtown Kent are looking for a new place to do business.

The owners settled with the Wednesday on a $775,000 purchase price for the property at 115 S. DePeyster St., which is the key piece needed for construction of .

Richard Drucker, the attorney for Tony and Carolina Difiore of TD & CD Kent LLC, who own the car parts store, said they're not completely sure they'll be moving to 108 W. College Ave. They are planning to rent the location because they must be out of the current store by March 16, but Drucker said that location causes some concern and may not be their final relocation spot.

Drucker said the space has less parking than their current location, and because the building is two stories it creates a problem for employees carrying heavy parts up and down stairs.

“Plus, it’s our belief the NAPA store didn’t do well there,” Drucker said.

The $775,000 purchase agreement includes relocation costs to the West College Avenue location.

“I thought it was a fair settlement for everybody,” Drucker said. "I’m not sure my clients were entirely happy with that amount. They can put it behind them … they love being in Kent. They want to be part of the landscape there. So hopefully they can figure out a way to stay in Kent.”