Manhattan Beach faces state action, lawsuits on Project Verandas
by Mark McDermott The expected legal storm resulting from the Manhattan Beach City Council’s rejection of Project Verandas has arrived. The developer has filed a lawsuit, while the State of California’s housing agency, and three non-profit pro-housing organizations have demanded the council rescind its rejection or face legal consequences. The City Council scheduled a special closed session prior to Tuesday night’s regularly scheduled meeting to discuss the matter. Council gave no indication afterwards what direction it would pursue. City Attorney Quinn Barrow, through a City spokesperson, said that Project Verandas would again be discussed in closed session December 20. The first of what is likely to be multiple lawsuits against the City regarding Project Verandas was filed in early November by the developer, Highrose El Porto LLC. The suit alleges the City broke state laws and violated the developer’s property rights in what amounted to a taking of the property through inverse condemnation. It seeks to force the Council to either approve the project or pay an estimated $52 million in damages, in addition to legal fees. “Governing bodies of cities, and counties are charged with…
Read this story on easyreadernews.com