[Urbannizer]

Originally Posted by Houston Chronicle

City weighs in as court grapples with decision over Ashby high-rise

Houston's city attorney told a Harris County judge on Friday that halting the Ashby high-rise project would "irreparably impair future developments in the city," despite a jury verdict last year in favor of nearby residents who successfully sued developers of the 21-story tower planned for 1717 Bissonnet.

"The uncertainty surrounding the outcome of such lawsuits would hinder developers from financing, leasing and constructing real estate developments in Houston, which require long-term secure contracts," City Attorney David Feldman wrote in a letter delivered to state District Judge Randy Wilson. "We urge the Court to consider the serious public policy considerations involved."


A jury in Wilson's court last year sided with residents who opposed the project and awarded them $1.7 million in damages while agreeing the building would hurt their property values, damage their homes and create a traffic nuisance.

Four months after that verdict, Wilson will convene a hearing Monday for attorneys to present final arguments over whether the project should be allowed to move forward and how much of the jury damages the developer should pay.

Feldman's letter says the city is concerned that granting a permanent injunction would create uncertainty that could stall other developments. He noted that the project at 1717 Bissonnet is fully permitted and satisfies all deed restrictions as well as regulations that were in effect when it was approved.

Full Article: http://www.houstonchronicle.com/busi...cmpid=btfpm#/0