T
he City of San Jose has taken a significant step against Z&L Properties, imposing property liens after the developer failed to pay over $142,000 in fines for neglecting an historic church development site. The city had previously fined the absentee landlord for abandoning the former First Church of Christ, Scientist at 43 East Saint James Street in Downtown San Jose.

    The church, designed by renowned architect Willis Polk and built in 1905, has fallen into disrepair under Z&L's ownership. Despite plans to restore it and build adjacent housing towers, the property remains vacant and exposed to the elements. The city's decision to impose liens comes after a year-long battle with Z&L, which had been threatened with $1,000-a-day fines for code violations.

    Z&L's neglect of the church is part of a larger pattern of financial troubles for the company. Owned by disgraced Chinese developer Zhang Li, who pleaded guilty to bribery charges in connection with a San Francisco public corruption scandal, Z&L has struggled to complete projects across the Bay Area and Los Angeles. The company's woes include defaulting on a $19.5 million loan tied to a proposed housing development at a former Greyhound bus terminal in Downtown San Jose.

    The Preservation Action Council of San Jose has listed the church as one of its "Endangered Eight" historic sites, highlighting the need for action to protect the landmark property. The city's decision to impose liens on Z&L Properties marks a significant step towards holding the company accountable for its neglect of the historic site.