By A.J. Hazarabedian
Bay City Partners, a local developer in Seal Beach, has filed a lawsuit against the city claiming the city did not do a proper environmental study for the River’s End Project, according to the Orange County Register.
The article, “Developer fights city project, eminent domain process,” explains the developer’s frustrations with the city’s plans, as they may interfere with potential development plans for the site. Bay City Partners’ project development manager, Edward Selich, is unhappy with the city’s “lowball offer,” suggesting the land could go from $500 to $700 per square foot, while the city is only offering $4.50. Mr. Selich sent a letter to the Orange County Register, calling this an “unwarranted abuse by the city of the power of eminent domain.”
The city is trying to acquire a driveway, but because of its possible interference with future developments, Bay City Partners has “suggested the city should purchase the entire property, find an alternative to the public access road or enter into an agreement with the landowner to lease the road to the city for public use.”
The city’s project will be discussed at Monday’s public hearing.