Henrico EDA sues GreenCity for refusal to give up property

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- A legal battle is now brewing over Henrico County's GreenCity development, as the county's Economic Development Authority (EDA) sues the project's former developers for refusal to return the Best Products property.

On Tuesday, April 29, the EDA filed a lawsuit asking a Henrico County Circuit Court judge to force the developers to give back the former Best Products Property.

The county and GreenCity had reportedly “mutually agreed to go in a different direction" on March 14, with a plan to transfer the $2.3 million Best Products property back to Henrico County.

The county’s repurchase of the land was originally expected to be completed by April 15, according to officials.

On the morning of Thursday, May 1, Henrico County's Chief of Staff, Cari Tretina, issued the following statement:

"Green City Development Corporation (GCDC) is in breach of our contract as they have failed to convey the property back as outlined in the Purchase and Sale Agreement. Taking matters to court is the next step for the EDA to repurchase the property. The County remains confident we will regain ownership, and we will issue a Request for Interest (RFI) once we have clarity." Cari Tretina, Chief of Staff of Henrico County

Henrico County originally planned to issue a RFI on March 27, for a new arena-anchored development on the Best Products site after it reacquired the property from GreenCity developers.