The Town of Chapin has been named in a lawsuit from the County of Lexington which could result in a $20 million judgement against the town and it’s mayor.
A lawsuit was filed on Monday, August 24 in the county of Lexington. The lawsuit shows breach of contract for the sale of the 200 acre site to developers Brighton Capital Partners by not allowing sewer taps even though they were originally promised.
Chapin Mayor Bill Mitchell has been adamant about not letting any new development use the town’s sewer systems. “It’ll be 2036 before we’ll be ready to have taps for sale,” said Mitchell. A previous agreement was reached a decade ago stating that the town would supply the taps.
The town alleges that $16 million was spent on the park’s infrastructure since 2013 and that Mitchell is controlling development by using the sewer taps as leverage. In July, the county approved the $20.4 million sale for Brighton Capital Partner to build 600 homes and create an industrial area for jobs.
Lexington county wants a judge to force Chapin to honor their contracts and let the sale move forward.
“We are on the winning side,” said Mitchell while addressing the lawsuit on social media the day after it was filed. Mitchell often uses the town’s social media site to air his grievances.
Mitchell claims the lawsuit will delay all development on the site. “It could take two years before out day in court,” said Mitchell. “This is not bad news.”
Currently, Chapin’s council and mayor have been arguing over an attorney to add to their staff.
Photo from Bill Mitchell, Mayor of Chapin
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