Mayor Gloria Reveals $9.4M Settlement with Dealer Jason Hughes Over 101 Ash Avenue

Mayor Todd Gloria introduced Tuesday a proposed $9.4 million settlement with actual property dealer Jason Hughes and his firm over the controversial deal to accumulate the 101 Ash Avenue constructing in downtown San Diego.

Town entered a lease-to-own association with Hughes’ assist in 2017 after which discovered the 19-story constructing was crammed with asbestos and repairs to make it secure would price tens of tens of millions of {dollars}.

Final June the town introduced a settlement with constructing proprietor Cisterra Improvement, paying $132 million to purchase out the leases to 101 Ash Avenue and the close by Civic Middle Plaza constructing, assembling a six-block space for future redevelopment.

Hughes was not a celebration to that settlement, and was named in two lawsuits filed by the town.

Gloria stated the preliminary transaction was ‘tainted” by Hughes’ involvement and known as for additional investigation after the settlement with Cisterra, however Hughes stated he had finished nothing unsuitable in receiving compensation.

“The proposed settlement provides a chance to carry Jason Hughes accountable and reclaim each greenback he wrongfully took from San Diegans,” stated Gloria and Metropolis Council President Sean Elo-Rivera in a joint assertion. “We proceed to imagine he needs to be held accountable by the justice system for his actions, however we’re glad to take this constructive step ahead as we proceed to right for the errors of the previous.”

“We thank the Metropolis Legal professional’s Workplace for his or her arduous work in guaranteeing the town recoups cash that may be invested again into our neighborhood,” the 2 lawmakers added.

Below the settlement, the town will dismiss all lawsuit claims in opposition to Hughes after fee of the settlement quantity.

Hughes lawyer, Michael Attanasio of Cooley, stated he had no remark.

The Metropolis Council can be requested to think about approval of the settlement at a particular listening to on Wednesday.