LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Simply when it appeared the long-running authorized battle over the Badlands Golf Course lastly ended, one other chapter has quietly begun—this time with Clark County within the crosshairs.
Developer Yohan Lowie, contemporary off a $286 million settlement with the Metropolis of Las Vegas, is now suing the County, claiming it illegally collected greater than $8 million in property taxes on land that courts dominated he didn’t legally personal anymore.
Badlands-New-amended-complaintDownload
In a twist, the Metropolis of Las Vegas has joined the lawsuit—this time on Lowie’s facet, although solely due to a court docket order.
The case, filed in April, has not beforehand been reported.
Why is that this lawsuit occurring?
On the coronary heart of the brand new case is Lowie’s firm, 180 Land Firm. For years, it says it paid property taxes on land the Nevada Supreme Courtroom later dominated was taken by the Metropolis of Las Vegas via “inverse condemnation” again in 2017.
Regardless of that ruling, Clark County allegedly saved billing him for property taxes. Now, Lowie desires that cash again. Whole demand, about $8.2 million.
The lawsuit argues that Clark County violated each state regulation and court docket orders, and that it has been unjustly enriched by holding on to cash it by no means had the correct to gather.
Fast Refresher: What occurred at Badlands
For years, Lowie fought to redevelop the previous Badlands Golf Course in Queensridge into housing. The Metropolis blocked him, sparking a authorized warfare that started in 2018.
Las Vegas misplaced a number of court docket battles. Finally, the case was settled with Las Vegas shopping for the 254-acre web site for $636 million. It then bought the land to dwelling builders Lennar for $350 million and paid $286 million {dollars} to Lowie.
It was probably the most costly land dispute settlements in Nevada historical past—and it led to a hiring freeze in metropolis authorities.
Lennar plans to construct 1,750 new houses on the Badlands web site. As of now, the land nonetheless sits vacant.
What’s subsequent?
Clark County didn’t reply to a request for remark Monday morning.
Efforts to achieve Lowie via his firm had been unsuccessful.
A Metropolis of Las Vegas spokesperson says it is just a plaintiff due to a decide’s order. Additionally, if Mr. Lowie wins, the town might get property tax a refund.