The City of Sanford is excited to move forward with its vision for the Sanford Central Green, an innovative and inclusive public space for our community to enjoy, now that it has reached a settlement in a lawsuit over the Singer property.
Plaintiffs Smashing Boxes and Nick Jordan filed a complaint against the City late last year alleging breach of contract over the City’s purchase of the Singer property. However, the parties arrived at a settlement agreement during a court ordered mediation.
According to the agreement, the plaintiffs will dismiss their claims that they had a right to own the property and are owed $150,000. The plaintiffs will also dismiss a notice placed on the title warning others it is under litigation. In return, the plaintiffs will receive a $60,000 settlement payment.
The City agreed to dismiss its counterclaims in order to resolve the lawsuit. Neither party admitted to any wrong doing and the settlement price was paid by the City’s insurance carrier.
With the agreement in place, the City has achieved its main goal, which is to retain ownership of the Singer property. “We can now get back to the business of serving the public purpose by transforming this area of downtown and East Sanford into the Sanford Central Green, fulfilling our long-term vision for the community,” says Mayor Rebecca Salmon.
“Entering into the settlement agreement is a sound business decision that enables us to move forward in the path toward realizing our vision,” she says.
Anchored by the Sanford Agricultural Marketplace on one end and the Sanford Municipal Center on the other, the Sanford Central Green concept includes options for a mobility hub, facilities available for public use, a greenway, and restoration of Little Buffalo Creek.
The goal for this concept is to create a foundation for a variety of potential public uses, including festivals, public art displays, youth activities, and more. The concept also increases Sanford’s walkability, mitigates major flooding concerns, and lays the groundwork for continued improvements.
“We want to energize and continue revitalizing downtown and East Sanford by creating a space that will serve our community for generations to come,” says Salmon. “This agreement allows us to continue to piece together a broad vision we’ve been working toward for years.”
The community can expect to see movement on the Sanford Central Green starting this fall with the groundbreaking for the Sanford Agricultural Marketplace.
For more information about the Sanford Central Green, including concept renderings, funding details, and related projects, visit the City’s projects hub.