Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger told the City Council Monday night he wants a unified approach to execute “robust legal action” against CityPlace developer Brookfield.
In July, Brookfield informed the city that the company was pulling out of the project and would be leaving the block-sized hole in Burlington’s downtown in the hands of former project manager Don Sinex. City officials remain wary of Sinex’s return.
Before Brookfield took over the project, Sinex had made little progress in the two years he led the development of CityPlace.
Now, Weinberger said Brookfield’s “noncompliance” has left the city in a unique position to guide what happens next to the privately owned property.
“Being where we are now, of Brookfield seemingly wishing to exit … may well give the City, a role in the disposition of what happens from here, that we would not typically have in a situation like this,” Weinberger told the council. “I think the nonconforming performance has blurred, if you will, some of the traditional lines, and it’s my sense we should take a very strong position in trying to achieve the outcome that people of Burlington want.”
Jeff Glassberg, the consultant who is overseeing the project for the city, told the City Council national third parties are interested in continuing the project and that Sinex’s Devonwood has also presented plans to continue the project without Brookfield.
When Brookfield started taking steps to sell its interest and return management authority to Sinex, city officials cast doubt on the decision to give the project back to the developer.
“That history came as a result of attempting to make this work with Don, so we do have concerns about trying that again, for sure,” Weinberger told VTDigger in July.
Glassberg told council members Monday night that Brookfield still had not responded to a default letter sent to in July. There have been no subsequent discussions with company representatives.
Before going into an executive session to further discuss CityPlace, Ward 3 Councilor Brian Pine said the city owes residents a roadmap for how the city can proceed.
“I think we owe it to the constituents to say here’s what we believe the path looks like,” Pine said. “And I hope we can get there sooner rather than later where we can lay that out for the public in a way that’s inclusive and transparent.”
Weinberger said he agrees with Pine.
“I think part of the purpose of having an executive session tonight, just so the public is clear, if the path forward involves robust legal action, which it might, I think it’s important that the council and the administration be unified,” he said. “That is why tonight’s session was important. It is my hope that if not tonight certainly over the coming weeks, we will get through a unified position that we’re able to pursue.”
