The city of Fresno is working to acquire the Quick Mart at Clinton Avenue and First Street through eminent domain as part of its $10.6 million project to redesign Radio Park.

The city filed an eminent domain complaint last month, arguing that taking control of the property is necessary to “add critical green space for the Project.”

The city had the property appraised in late 2023 and began making offers in March 2024, and hadn’t been able to negotiate a settlement before the Fresno City Council approved a resolution to authorize eminent domain proceedings in July 2024.

“The proposed Project is planned or located in the manner that will be most compatible with the greatest public good and the least private injury,” city council’s resolution reads. “The Subject Property is necessary for the proposed Project.”

Now that Radio Park is closed and with construction underway, the city is taking legal action to acquire the property.

Waltraud “Wallie” Heisinger, a family friend of the Quick Mart’s owner, Mohamed Nasser Salem, said he is in Saudi Arabia and has owned the store since 2017. Heisinger said negotiations are underway and that they’re being “forced out” by the city.

The city plans to work on the Radio Park redesign through early 2027. The project will add more than 100 new trees and include features like a splash pad, amphitheater and sculpture garden.

Construction at Radio Park is seen on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, with the Quick Mart property seen at the middle right of photograph. The City of Fresno may take the Quick Mart property through eminent domain, adding the parcel to Radio Park which is currently closed and undergoing redevelopment. Photographed Monday, March 2, 2026 in Fresno. Construction at Radio Park is seen on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, with the Quick Mart property seen at the middle right of photograph. The City of Fresno may take the Quick Mart property through eminent domain, adding the parcel to Radio Park which is currently closed and undergoing redevelopment. Photographed Monday, March 2, 2026 in Fresno. ERIC PAUL ZAMORA ezamora@fresnobee.com The City of Fresno may take Quick Mart's property, located at First and Clinton avenues, through eminent domain, adding the parcel to Radio Park which is currently closed and undergoing renovation. Photographed Monday, March 2, 2026 in Fresno. The City of Fresno may take Quick Mart’s property, located at First and Clinton avenues, through eminent domain, adding the parcel to Radio Park which is currently closed and undergoing renovation. Photographed Monday, March 2, 2026 in Fresno. ERIC PAUL ZAMORA ezamora@fresnobee.com A customer walks out of the Quick Mart at First and Clinton avenues Monday, March 2, 2026 in Fresno. The City of Fresno may take Quick Mart's property through eminent domain, adding the parcel to Radio Park which is currently closed and undergoing a renovation. A customer walks out of the Quick Mart at First and Clinton avenues Monday, March 2, 2026 in Fresno. The City of Fresno may take Quick Mart’s property through eminent domain, adding the parcel to Radio Park which is currently closed and undergoing a renovation. ERIC PAUL ZAMORA ezamora@fresnobee.com

This story was originally published March 3, 2026 at 3:14 PM.

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