In the Bay Area city I live in, there was an empty building on "main street" which remained that way for about 13 years. Every few years a potential new busine

In the Bay Area city I live in, there was an empty building on "main street" which remained that way for about 13 years. Every few years a potential new business would file for permission. Nope, no, "not a good fit", "too many of your idea already here", and more endless excuses kept the building empty. Finally, about 1.5 years ago, a business was finally granted permission to move in. About 6 months later, a second business [a refugee from San Jose] moved in upstairs. Both businesses resemble other businesses already on "main street". I'd like to know more about the previous 13 years of "we don't want your tax money, we'd rather a big gaping hole and an empty building but thanks".