Black Creek, IDB Settle With Helen Burns Sharp In TIF Lawsuits

  • Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Black Creek and the city Industrial Development Board have reached a settlement with Helen Burns Sharp, who filed two lawsuits in connection with approval of $9 million in Tax Increment Financing (TIF) for a development on the mountain above the Black Creek development in Lookout Valley.

Black Creek and the IDB agreed to a payment of $22,500 to Ms. Sharp.

There was a second undisclosed agreement between Black Creek and Ms. Sharp that settled all the issues in the case, including her claim for her attorney fees.

Chancellor Frank Brown ruled in favor of Ms. Sharp, who raised issues about alleged violations of the Sunshine Law.

She later filed a second suit after the IDB and the city and county re-approved the Black Creek TIF.

Ms. Sharp said, "I feel positive about the outcome. I believe I have made a difference.

"I am pleased that the city adopted policies and procedures for future TIF projects."

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