NEW PORT RICHEY - A developer is suing Aloha Utilities, claiming the water provider is holding up the construction of a townhome complex by refusing to sign permit applications.
Schickedanz Bros.-Pinellas filed suit Tuesday in Pasco Circuit Court seeking damages and a judge's ruling ordering Aloha to sign off on the applications.
The developer plans to build a 61-unit townhome project on the north side of Mitchell Boulevard in Trinity. All building permits have been secured except for approval by the state Department of Environmental Protection. The DEP will not approve the application without Aloha's blessing.
The lawsuit alleges that Aloha, which has the water franchise for the area, initially agreed to provide service to the development. But now, the lawsuit claims, the utility is holding off on signing the permit applications, demanding that the developer foot the bill for a reclaimed water pipe.
The suit says the developer has no contractual obligation to pay for the pipe and alleges that Aloha is unnecessarily holding up construction.
Aloha officials could not be reached Tuesday for comment.
