Fate of Tuscany development awaits judge’s ruling on suit

Thursday, Oct. 24, 2002 | 9:48 a.m.

A District Court judge on Wednesday delayed ruling on a contested multimillion-dollar redevelopment deal between the city of Henderson and developer Commerce Associates.

District Judge Michael Douglas opted not to rule on a request by the city to dismiss a civil challenge by Henderson resident Tom Hantges, who says he and other taxpayers in the state would be harmed by the development agreement. He wants the court to rescind the deal, which could direct up to $40 million to Commerce Associates' Tuscany master-planned community.

The city argued Hantges has no standing in the deal and that he filed his lawsuit too late.

Douglas set another hearing for Wednesday.

Hantges in May filed suit alleging that Henderson officials broke state redevelopment laws when they designated a former gravel pit as a blighted area eligible for redevelopment funds. Much of the pit had been graded, and house pads were established when Commerce purchased the property.

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