The City of Jersey Village, Texas, has filed a lawsuit against Ronald D’Amico, alleging breach of contract regarding property development. The complaint was filed in the District Court of Harris County on November 26, 2024. The City claims that D’Amico failed to fulfill his contractual obligation to commence construction on a residential property within the stipulated timeframe.
According to the original petition filed by the City of Jersey Village, Ronald D’Amico purchased a property from Sandra and Rodrigo Sanchez in May 2022. Subsequently, in December 2022, he sold it to the City under a Special Warranty Deed for $350,000. In March 2023, the City demolished existing structures on the property and later conveyed it back to D’Amico with specific conditions attached. The deed required D’Amico to begin constructing a single-family home within one year or face reversion of ownership back to the City. As per court documents, “the construction of a single-family residential home on the Property must be commenced or the Property will be subject to reversion to the Grantor.”
However, as of November 26, 2024, more than eighteen months after signing a real estate sales contract with these stipulations, no construction had begun. The City alleges that no building permits have been requested by D’Amico or anyone representing him. Consequently, they assert that their reversionary interest in the property has been triggered due to this failure. On September 10, 2024, the City formally requested that D’Amico return his interest in the property but received no response.
The lawsuit includes causes of action for trespass to try title and seeks declaratory judgment under Chapter 37 of the Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code. The City argues it is entitled to possession based on its superior title due to D'Amico's non-compliance with deed terms. They seek a court declaration affirming their rights over the property and request immediate possession along with reasonable attorney’s fees.
Representing Jersey Village is Andrea Chan from Olson & Olson L.L.P., while there is no mention of legal representation for Ronald D'Amico at this stage. The case is presided over by Judge Patricia Jones in Harris County District Court under Case ID: 2024-83194.