Three Sugar Land City Council members will become what’s supposed to be a bureaucratic buffer between Mayor David Wallace and negotiations for development of the old Imperial Sugar plant.
Council formed the committee at the request of City Manager Allen Bogard, after concerns surfaced over the mayor’s relationship with a member of Cherokee Sugar Land, LP.
Bogard asked that the committee be created, as a buffer between Wallace and negotiations over development of the Imperial property and adjoining land. Wallace’s business relationship with development partner W.C. Perry Land Development was behind the move.
Cherokee Sugar Land announced Feb. 18 it had begun negotiating to buy 160 acres from Imperial Sugar, in order to develop a commercial, retail and residential project.
According to news reports, Wallace sent an email to city staff members the same day, acknowledging a business relationship with Will Perry Realty Investment Fund, LP. Also, Wallace’s office is located in the same building as Perry.
Since then, Wallace has abstained from voting on matters before the council involving the development.
Council members Dennis Parmer, Russell Jones and Michael Schiff have been named to the development oversight committee.
City manager Allen Bogard requested the committee to ensure a separation between Mayor David Wallace and the upcoming, extensive approval process for the development, following concerns over Wallace’s business relationship with a developer.
