Politics & Government

City, Vlass Expected to Part Ways; Lawsuits Still Possible

Although both parties with interest in the downtown redevelopment project are trying to avoid litigation, they are "pretty far apart" in their expectations, according to City Manager Gerald Seeber.

After two face-to-face meetings and countless phone conversations, the City of Temple Terrace and developer Vlass Temple Terrace LLC are expected to part ways, according to City Manager Gerald Seeber.

Although both sides are attempting to work out their differences regarding the downtown redevelopment project, the possibility of lawsuits still exists, he said.

“Both parties have explained their expectations to the other, and I have to say to you that right now the two parties are pretty far apart in those expectations, and that litigation is still a possibility going forward,” Seeber told the City Council at its Aug. 6 meeting. “But, it’s very clear that both parties need to move in different directions.”

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In June, both sides entered into a confidentiality agreement to keep what they say during discussions from being used against them if litigation ensues. They also entered into a forbearance agreement, saying they wouldn’t sue each other until at least Aug. 21.

“If, in fact, we don’t reach a resolution with the Vlass group, there is the likelihood that there will be litigation being filed shortly after Aug. 21,” said City Attorney Mark Connolly.

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Mayor Frank Chillura said the city has been working diligently on redevelopment, and there are no backroom deals or secrets.

“Although you may not have heard much or the public has (not) seen much about activity on the redevelopment, I can tell you we’re on the phone weekly, if not every other day in some cases, discussing different ideas to try to move this project forward,” Chillura said. “Ultimately, any decisions that are made will be made by the City Council, but a lot of time, effort and energy has been put forth.”

City Councilman Grant Rimbey echoed Chillura’s thoughts.

“There’s also a lot of speculation on Patch that the bat tower is somehow distracting us all from our work on the redevelopment,” Rimbey said, “and based on the interesting and in-depth news that we just heard on the redevelopment, I can assure you that it is not prohibiting us from working on that.”


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