The tug-of-war between city leaders and CentrePointe developers continues – while a potential lawsuit looms. Lexington officials have yet to respond to a Webb Companies request that they withdraw a letter demanding that the site be filled in or face legal action.
At issue is the city’s contention that CentrePointe developers violated the terms of a tax-incentive agreement by allowing construction on the site to cease for more 60 consecutive days. Webb argues invoices prove construction is ongoing on the underground parking garage, but city attorneys say the documents only refer to maintenance work.
Meanwhile, other city leaders claim they were left out of the April 27 decision to force the developers’ hand.
"Council members had questions and wanted answers and were not afforded them," Councilman Bill Farmer said Tuesday. "We went into a closed session on another topic, totally about council, and when we came back out action had been taken
Mayor Jim Gray defended the timing of the letter.
"The administration was acting responsibly and prudently in giving notice according to an agreement," Gray argued. "It was very fluid and the timing of that coincided with the council meeting that very afternoon."
The Urban County Council met to discuss possible litigation behind closed doors Tuesday.