EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Officials with Independent Nation LLC and the development team are suing five City of Sunland Park council members for reversing city approvals for a proposed multi-million-dollar entertainment complex, alleging the project was derailed by a coordinated effort between council members and business owners. The lawsuit cited a potential conflict of interest.
Independent Nation developers sue Sunland Park after reversal on entertainment complex
The developers claim City council’s “abrupt” decision to deny the cannabis license and key land-platting approvals for the entertainment venue back in May was the culmination of coordinated actions to halt the project that entailed the distribution of misleading and false claims.
“The actions of the city council members named in the suit are in clear conflict with its own procedures and with the approvals already in place. We feel their actions were both arbitrary and illegal in blocking the cannabis license and plat process, while failing to disclose potential conflicts of interest regarding familial relations within the council and competitors,” David Bingham, principal of Independent Nation, said.
The lawsuit names five council members from the City of Sunland Park as defendants: Daisy G. Lira, Mili Sandoval, Maria Burciaga, Alberto Jaramillo, and Susan Gomez.
It also names 13 cannabis businesses in Sunland Park as defendants.
The developers allege the first claims that surfaced suggested the project was incompatible with city zoning rules. They allege that the claims were disproven.
They also alleged that a coalition of competing dispensaries launched a “smearing” campaign against both the Independent Nation development and the Station X dispensary license.
The lawsuit alleges that the group distributed false statements, including claims that the entertainment complex was a “strip club,” in an attempt to block a new competitor.
The developers also said Councilwoman Lira voted back in May without disclosing a potential conflict of interest regarding familial ties with the business owner of one of the dispensaries that was allegedly part of the smearing campaign.
Lira issued a statement to KTSM, stating that while she cannot share much due to the ongoing legal case, she aims to be transparent and act in the best interest of Sunland Park residents.
“I appreciate your professionalism and the opportunity to provide comment. However, because this involves an active legal case, I am not able to speak on the specific allegations or provide further detail at this time. I want to respect the legal process and allow everything to be addressed through the proper channels.
“What I can say is that my decisions as a councilwoman have always been guided by transparency, integrity, and what I believe is in the best interest of the residents of Sunland Park. I remain committed to serving my community with the same values and dedication.
“Thank you for your understanding. Unfortunately, I will not be providing interviews or commenting further on this matter at this time.
“Respectfully,
“Councilwoman Daisy Lira”
“We are confident the courts will determine that certain council members blatantly exceeded their legal authority. And we also feel the other business competitors and names in our suit have defamed and misrepresented the project to the press. This lawsuit is about not only substantial damages, but it is also about shining a light on city council members who, in our opinion, are breaking the law in order to prioritize enriching their family members at the expense of the community,” Amit Bijlani, another principal for Independent Nation, said.
KTSM 9 News reached out to the City of Sunland Park for comment on the lawsuit filed against them and 13 cannabis companies. As of this report, we have not heard back from them. We will update this news article as soon as we hear back.
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