Bluegrass

City denies allegations by Sicily Lagoon developer

by | Mar 13, 2025 | Latest, News

Houses continue to sell in the Sicily Laguna community even though the lagoon has not been completed. John Kanelis/Princeton Herald

The developer of the Sicily Lagoon project has won a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the city of Princeton’s attempt to collect a $2 million penalty for non-completion of the project and is seeking at least $1 million in damages.

“This is a textbook case of government opportunism,” said the petition by Sicily Laguna Azure, LLC. “Despite negotiating, approving and executing detailed development and reimbursement agreements with Sicily, and after years of investment by Sicily, the city and its officials now seek to go back on their promises.”

“Various allegations have been raised against the city … however, the city denies that any of those allegations are true,” Princeton Marketing & Communications Director Erin Mudie said Monday, March 10. “The city will vigorously defend this lawsuit in the best interest of the city’s residents.”

In addition to the city, the suit names Michael Mashburn, in his official capacity as city manager, and Eugene Escobar Jr., in his official capacity as mayor. 

Judge Bryan Gantt of the 493rd District Court in McKinney issued the TRO on Friday, March 7, and scheduled a hearing for March 18 on a request to issue a temporary injunction.

To read the full story, stay informed and support local journalism, subscribe to your local newspaper The Princeton Herald today!

By Bob Wieland | [email protected]

Collin College Summer/Fall 2026 Registration 2

0 Comments

Subscribe Love

Related News

New apartment community now leasing

New apartment community now leasing

A large new residential complex is now open on Beauchamp Boulevard in Princeton. Bob Wieland/The Princeton Herald The Princeton-Lowry Crossing Chamber of Commerce has welcomed The Whitley, a 330-unit multifamily community located south of Caldwell Park.  A ribbon...

read more
Sales tax proposed for public safety funding

Sales tax proposed for public safety funding

Princeton voters may be asked in November to allocate part of the city’s sales tax revenue to pay for police, fire and emergency services.  Police Chief James Waters says substantial long-term investments in police, fire and emergency medical services will be...

read more
Town Hall will examine city’s comprehensive plan

Town Hall will examine city’s comprehensive plan

After years of reacting to growth, Princeton is preparing to adopt its first comprehensive playbook for deciding what gets built, where it gets built and — perhaps most importantly — when it gets built.  City officials hope the proposed comprehensive plan will...

read more
Work to begin at Princeton Town Center

Work to begin at Princeton Town Center

Groundbreaking is expected next week on the first store in Princeton Town Center, a 66-acre retail complex on the northwest corner of Beauchamp Boulevard and U.S. Highway 380. “All their infrastructure has been approved,” Shai Roos, director of development services,...

read more
Fire station closed after four decades of use

Fire station closed after four decades of use

Princeton Fire Station No. 4, built in 1987 for the Branch Volunteer Fire Department, is closed following a safety inspection. File Photo Rather than spend up to $1 million to repair Fire Station No. 4, the Princeton City Council has decided to close the facility,...

read more
Lake Lavon recreation area proposed

Lake Lavon recreation area proposed

A developer that plans to build nearly 900 homes near Lake Lavon would like to also build lakeside recreational amenities including trails, playgrounds, a golf course and a marina on parkland currently managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Mayor Eugene Escobar...

read more
Council OKs request for library proposals

Council OKs request for library proposals

Proposals are being sought for renovations to the Lois Nelson Public Library under a $1 million bond approved in November 2023. File Photo The small library with a big heart will be getting a million-dollar facelift. The Princeton City Council has approved soliciting...

read more
Hidden in Plain Sight

Hidden in Plain Sight

The rusted water tower is one of the last visible reminders of the Princeton POW Camp, which briefly housed German prisoners of war during World War II. The Stories Collin County Forgot to Notice Every time I drive through Princeton, I pass the same brown sign. You...

read more
Photos online