Customers stand behind Alta Dena Dairy

Alta Dena Dairy is spared. For now, Melissa Pamer reports.

MONTEREY PARK – The city’s plan to build what officials say is a much-needed new fire station on the site of a 50-year-old drive-through convenience store has upset residents and the business’s owner.

More than 600 customers of the the Alta Dena Dairy have signed owner Kimberly Yu’s petition calling the store a “historical landmark” and asking the city to find another location for Fire Station No. 2.

The city purchased the dairy property in April 2006 for $625,000 with plans to begin demolition in early 2009, when Yu’s lease is set to expire.

Officials say the store site is a good fit to replace an aged, nearby fire station. Read more.