Whiteland redevelopment commissioners flag developer dispute over Graham Road reconstruction

The Whiteland Redevelopment Commission spent part of its Feb. 12 meeting reviewing phase 1 and 2 of a redevelopment project and flagged a dispute with the developer about work on Graham Road.

Commissioner (Speaker 4) told the commission that, while Graham Road has been resurfaced, the project did not meet the agreement’s definition of "reconstruct" because curbing, storm sewer work and widening or a shoulder were not installed. "They report, I think, a 100% completion," Speaker 4 said, "but that is where we would have the dispute." Staff said they are working with the developer to resolve the matter.

Chair (Speaker 1) and other members treated the update as informational and said the item would be tabled if the commission needed to take formal action, rather than decided at the meeting. Commissioners also noted that buildings in phase 1 appear occupied and that phase 2 apartments are being leased as units are finished; one commissioner said leasing can occur before every unit is complete.

The commission did not record any formal remedy or new motion at the meeting; staff was asked to follow up on which road segment the disputed payments cover and to continue discussions with the developer. The commission’s next steps will depend on staff findings and whether the parties reach an agreement about what the phase 1 contract requires.