The City of Rowlett, Texas, has sued the developer of a $1 billion mixed-use project for not adhering to approved plans.
According to city officials, the Bayside development is in default of their development agreement with the city. The developer is accused of changing features that city officials felt were critical to the project’s success after the city met its obligations.
Rowlett had agreed to economic development incentives, created a tax increment reinvesting zone, and sought state tax support for a convention center. The city said the developers changed the original vision by eliminating a planned eight-acre Crystal Lagoon, trolley, and one-acre show fountain, and reduced the amount of restaurant, retail and entertainment space by 55%. The revised plan also would increase the space for residential development from 29 acres to 50 acres.
“Bayside is a public-private partnership, and our development partner is obligated to adhere to the vision for Bayside with which both parties are contractually committed; any changes to the vision require city approval,” Mayor Tammy Dana-Bashian said in city news release. “We are disappointed that it has reached this point and that we are forced to take this action.”
Related Stories
Energy | Jul 25, 2016
Michigan law provides local governments with flexible energy conservation financing
Allows cities to fund projects without adding debt.
Contractors | Jul 15, 2016
Trade unions, contractors call for maximum penalty in construction worker death case
‘Sick and tired’ of lawbreaking contractors defining public perception.
Multifamily Housing | Jul 14, 2016
Portland, Ore., City Council approves construction excise tax for affordable housing
Expected to raise $8 million annually on commercial and residential projects.
Drones | Jul 13, 2016
FAA issues final rule on commercial use of drones
The rule covers commercial uses for drones that weigh less than 55 pounds, and it takes effect Aug. 29.
Codes and Standards | Jul 12, 2016
OSHA raises maximum civil penalties by 78%
Applies to infractions that occurred after Nov. 2, 2015.
School Construction | Jul 11, 2016
Fight over school funding in Arizona headed to court
Legislature accused of ignoring 1994 ruling ordering state to pick up some of the costs.
Green Specifications | Jul 8, 2016
World Green Building Council sets goal of 100% net-zero buildings by 2050
All new buildings and major renovations to be net-zero by 2030.
Market Data | Jul 7, 2016
Airbnb alleged to worsen housing crunch in New York City
Allegedly removing thousands of housing units from market, driving up rents.
Urban Planning | Jul 7, 2016
Y Combinator project would build new city using new technology, urban policies
Zoning, property rights, building codes all could be re-imagined.
Green | Jul 6, 2016
U.S. healthcare system’s GHG emissions rise 30% in past decade
If U.S. healthcare were a country, it would rank 13th in GHG emissions.
