A federal judge today tossed out a Missouri developer’s lawsuit against the City of Columbia stemming from a dispute involving the proposed Columbia Crossing project near the Jefferson Barracks Bridge.
G.J. Grewe Inc. was seeking millions from Columbia, alleging that it had failed to live up to a three-year-old development contract, but U.S. District Judge Phil Gilbert dismissed the suit, writing "there is no express or implied authority" allowing the City to enter into the agreement in the first place.
The ruling represents a victory for the City--in effect, granting the motion for summary judgment that Columbia requested. While Grewe may very well appeal this decision, necessitating additional costs to defend the lawsuit, the ruling presents an opportunity for Columbia to begin moving on beyond a situation which has shadowed local economics for many months.
"I am hopeful that this will be a turning-point and that the Council can come together to proactively work toward the betterment of our City," Mayor Kevin Hutchinson stated upon hearing the decision. "I have been very vocal and consistent in expressing my belief that Columbia needs a healthy balance of residential and commercial development to sustain our current service levels," he reflected.
"I am eager to work with the rest of our Council and with our community to develop innovative new ways that we can sustain City services by increasing our currently flat and/or declining revenues without unduly burdening our residents."
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