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SOUTHEAST TEXAS RECORD

Thursday, March 28, 2024

Developer claims Groves reneged on permit for small apartment complex

A Jefferson County man says he lost money after the city of Groves reneged on its authorization of a permit that would have allowed him to build a four-plex apartment building.

Anthony Carlos filed suit against the city April 2 in Jefferson County District Court, claiming he purchased a lot in Groves, originally intending to construct an apartment building containing six units.

According to the complaint, Carlos claims he was approved to build a fourplex after attending a city meeting in December 2007.

Carlos began to clear land and then went to the building permits department to acquire the permit he needed.

"When he went to the building permits department to acquire the permit, he was denied, in violation of the specific representations of the duly authorized city officials," the complaint states. "Plaintiff requested that the city of Groves honor the agreement, and it has been refused."

Carlos alleges the city wrongfully pulled the permit and that its actions constitute unlawful taking of his land without compensation of its fair market value.

For the city's breach of contract and wrongful condemnation, Carlos is seeking damages for the value of the property including the cost of improvements, attorneys' fees, interest, costs and other relief to which he may be entitled.

Brett S. Thomas of Roebuck, Thomas, Roebuck and Adams in Beaumont will be representing him.

The case has been assigned to Judge Donald Floyd of the 172nd District.

Jefferson County District Court case number: E183-705.

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