I finally had a phone call today with one of the two property owners, Ralph Horowitz from The Horowitz Group, and he asked me to pass along the following message to Acapulco and the community:

He explained that the pending lease signed by the potential car wash tenant is still contingent on whether the car wash proposal is ultimately approved or denied by the government.  According to Ralph, if the car wash application is denied, Acapulco would absolutely have the opportunity to negotiate a new lease and return to the property, with the kitchen and furniture still in place and ready to go.  He emphasized that the outcome is now entirely in the hands of the government while the three appeals remain under review.  The only reason Acapulco can't remain there for now is that the potential car wash tenant views that as a conflict with his pending lease, and may pull out if Acapulco stays there.  

Ralph also said he is wide open to ideas moving forward, including Acapulco returning to the site or even pursuing a hybrid redevelopment project that retains the restaurant in some form.  He said “anything is possible,” and added that he plans to review the community petition, which he had not yet seen.