MONROE — The developer of a proposed 55,000-square-foot family fun center said he is re-thinking his plans following the firing of a city official.
Ed Fasso was headed to California earlier this week to discuss $11.5 million in financing when he found out community development director Hiller West had been fired, according to Michael Fear, Fasso’s commercial real estate agent.
West’s dismissal led Fasso to delay his trip. He told the City Council at its Tuesday night meeting he now is concerned about future development along North Kelsey Street, where the fun center is planned.
“I didn’t make this decision lightly,” Fasso said. “I’ve worked on this project for seven years.”
The news came as a shock to Mayor Robert Zimmerman, who said afterward that Fasso had not been in touch with city officials for weeks.
“What I gathered from last night’s discussion is that Mr. Fasso was unhappy with my decision, and that was loud and clear,” Zimmerman said.
Zimmerman fired West on Friday, saying a change in leadership was needed for the community development department.
He stood by that decision on Wednesday, saying city staff can handle all existing projects, including a deal with a Seattle developer that wants to bring a big-box store to the city.
“A million-dollar deal does not rest on the shoulders of one individual,” he said.
Fasso was negotiating with the city earlier this year to purchase 4.5 acres for a family fun center. He envisioned it as having a bowling alley, laser tag, mini-golf and a family restaurant.
Not much movement on the project has happened since February, after the City Council held an executive session to discuss a sale price.
Days before his dismissal, West said he hadn’t received any fresh updates on the project from Fasso or anyone else involved.
“Nothing has been mentioned in weeks,” West said on March 30.
Fear, who has been acting as a spokesman for Fasso, said his client was solidifying financing before speaking with the city.
Fear said West had offered a good sense of continuity on the project, however, leading to Fasso’s reconsideration.
“Hiller was as good as anybody I’ve ever dealt with,” Fear said.
Andy Rathbun: 425-339-3455; arathbun@heraldnet.com
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