LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — What a difference a day makes.
On Monday, KTNV reported a possible resolution in the works between the City of Las Vegas and the developer of the defunct Badlands golf course.
Now, 13 Investigates is learning the settlement may be defunct.
As of Monday, a settlement was on the city council's agenda for discussion Wednesday morning.
According to notes on the agenda item, the developer, Yohan Lowie, says he's willing to accept a $49-million dollar payment along with the city's agreement to pay up to $15-million dollars to cover the cost of construction for drainage facilities on the property.
However, earlier today we started to hear of a possible breakdown.
13 Investigates reached out to city Councilwoman, Victoria Seaman, who sent us this statement:
"For the last several months, I have worked on an attempted settlement between the Badlands developer and the City of Las Vegas. Unfortunately, I must report that negotiations on this settlement broke down today, just a day before agenda item 28 was to be heard. I have done everything I could to bring both sides together. However, I regrettably must report that negotiations between both sides' attorneys have reached an impasse."
In response, Lowie's attorney sent us this comment:
"Negotiations did not break down. An agreement was reached on the terms of settlement which was required by the City to place it on the agenda for consideration by the City Council. On Monday, the City attempted to change the terms which gutted the agreement. This mirrors the City's conduct over the past 8 years."
District court judges have ruled in Lowie's favor finding the city of Las Vegas illegally prevented him from developing the land and that constitutes a government taking without compensation.
The court battles are racking up a big bill for taxpayers, the cost now hovering around $50 million.
The City of Las Vegas has appealed at least one ruling to the Nevada Supreme court. That was in a case involving an area of about 30 acres of the former golf course.
Previous Coverage:
- City of Las Vegas to consider settlement in battle over defunct Badlands golf course
- Another blow to City of Las Vegas in case over defunct Badlands Golf Course
- Court ruling adds millions to Badlands legal tab; Las Vegas on the hook for more than $50M
- Golf course developer seeks more money in Badlands battle
- Battle over Badlands reaches boiling point
- City of Las Vegas suffers another defeat in battle over Badlands
- Taxpayers will continue to foot multi-million-dollar bill as city votes to appeal Badlands ruling
- Badlands becoming wasteland, haven for crime as property held in limbo
- Lawsuits continue over Badlands Golf Club
