Developer Sam Cave, whose dispute with Two Harbors over condominium and retail projects reached the Minnesota Supreme Court this month, says two other foes have halted his embattled plans for Lighthouse Point.
The court's refusal to hear his challenge of a 2006 agreement with Two Harbors matters little, Cave said.
It is the recession and his advancing age that probably will prevent him from moving forward on the Lighthouse Point projects, he told the Lake County News Chronicle.
"We kind of missed the good economic times," he said. "I can't say that I have a plan."
After six years of legal wrangling, Cave, 67, said he might be "past his prime" and that he lacks enthusiasm for any project.
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The battle has been over property Cave purchased from DM&IR Railroad in 2002 along Agate Bay, including parcels surrounding the Two Harbors Lighthouse. He had planned to build a hotel and condominiums.
Cave and the city of Two Harbors reached a deal in a marathon October 2006 mediation session that allowed Cave to build two condo and retail developments on Lighthouse Point. In return, Cave was to grant Two Harbors most of the forested areas and walking trails on the eastern half of the point and drop four pending lawsuits against the city.
The agreement also called for the city to create three tax-increment finance districts -- two on Lighthouse Point and one south of Two Harbors on Pork City Hill. Under two of the TIF agreements, the city would reimburse Cave 80 cents on every dollar he spent for infrastructure improvements for the development projects, such as sewer and water lines.
Cave later challenged the mediated agreement, saying it was "a concept" that "left many issues unresolved and subject to further discussion and negotiation."
The state Supreme Court's refusal to hear the case probably means the legal dispute is over, city representatives said.
"I do not know of any other appeals or court procedures he can take," Two Harbors City Attorney Steve Overom wrote in an e-mail.
Cave said he simply wanted development in Two Harbors to enhance the quality of life and improve the tax base. "I guess some people just want a place for trees to grow," he said.
