City expected to appeal verdict
GAINESVILLE – A jury dealt a shocking and costly blow to the City of Alachua Wednesday evening, awarding a hefty $3.9 million in damages to a one-time real estate developer.
A case filed in 2009 by Heritage Oaks – TND, LTD., leveled numerous charges against the City of Alachua as to its dealings with the developer of the commercial and residential development adjacent to Santa Fe High School on U.S. Highway 441.
The case, which lasted 10 days, saw numerous expert witnesses and City officials take the stand, including former city manager Clovis Watson, Jr. and developer John Curtis, Jr.
Photos presented during the trial reportedly revealed wastewater pipes that had been repaired by the developer or its subcontractors using duct tape. Attention was also called to allegedly improperly paved roads and numerous other quality of construction issues, which had become a point of contention between the City, the developer and homeowners in the neighborhood.
Heritage Oaks alleged a breach of contract on the City’s part and interference with the development. It reportedly sought damages for losses of profit, future sales, loss of appraised property values and expenses it claims the City forced them to incur.
After closing arguments Wednesday afternoon, the jury was given instructions and a form to arrive at conclusions and calculate damages. On five counts upon which the jury was ultimately sent back to deliberate, they found the City guilty of all of them and awarded the vast majority of the financial damages sought by Heritage Oaks.
In the case, Heritage Oaks claimed, “The difference in the way the City treated Heritage [Oaks] as compared to other similarly situated developers, was done in order to intentionally discriminate against Heritage [Oaks].”
Other accusations are that the City “inordinately burdened” the developer and “effectively precluded” them from being able to market its property.
While the City clearly didn’t win in court Wednesday, Aug. 22, the City is expected to appeal the case.
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Email editor@alachuatoday.com
City expected to appeal verdict
GAINESVILLE – A jury dealt a shocking and costly blow to the City of Alachua Wednesday evening, awarding a hefty $3.9 million in damages to a one-time real estate developer.
A case filed in 2009 by Heritage Oaks – TND, LTD., leveled numerous charges against the City of Alachua as to its dealings with the developer of the commercial and residential development adjacent to Santa Fe High School on U.S. Highway 441.
The case, which lasted 10 days, saw numerous expert witnesses and City officials take the stand, including former city manager Clovis Watson, Jr. and developer John Curtis, Jr.
Photos presented during the trial reportedly revealed wastewater pipes that had been repaired by the developer or its subcontractors using duct tape. Attention was also called to allegedly improperly paved roads and numerous other quality of construction issues, which had become a point of contention between the City, the developer and homeowners in the neighborhood.
Heritage Oaks alleged a breach of contract on the City’s part and interference with the development. It reportedly sought damages for losses of profit, future sales, loss of appraised property values and expenses it claims the City forced them to incur.
After closing arguments Wednesday afternoon, the jury was given instructions and a form to arrive at conclusions and calculate damages. On five counts upon which the jury was ultimately sent back to deliberate, they found the City guilty of all of them and awarded the vast majority of the financial damages sought by Heritage Oaks.
In the case, Heritage Oaks claimed, “The difference in the way the City treated Heritage [Oaks] as compared to other similarly situated developers, was done in order to intentionally discriminate against Heritage [Oaks].”
Other accusations are that the City “inordinately burdened” the developer and “effectively precluded” them from being able to market its property.
While the City clearly didn’t win in court Wednesday, Aug. 22, the City is expected to appeal the case.
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