With both sides wanting to sit down to resolve issues related to the Town Park Center development but neither taking the first step toward a seat at the table, the developers of the project have moved forward with a lawsuit against the City of Sealy.

A statement written by Town Park Center partner Mike Weber was read on his behalf at the May 28 Sealy City Council meeting explaining why the developers felt the need to move forward with the lawsuit. They said they are trying to get the city to complete negotiations about the project along Interstate 10 that will someday include an HEB grocery store.

“I am asking the city council to seriously consider the possibility of allowing further attempts at resolution, which can and probably should include attendance of the attorneys for both parties,” Weber’s letter says. “We are very confident that as long as both parties desire to eliminate what likely will be a long and contentious court battle and be cognizant of the most essential needs of the other party, this dispute can be resolved by working together. I am asking that council consider this request at the next regularly scheduled meeting.”

The city council had three executive sessions related to the issue scheduled for its meeting on June 4.

“This is the third lawsuit TPC has filed,” City Manager Lloyd Merrell said outside of the meeting. “The city is addressing the lawsuit as it did previously, which resulted in dismissal of both the prior suits.”

The letter was read during public comments and city council members were not allowed to respond.