Sears fought to reduce value of Foothills property
“Sears representatives claim Alberta “lowballed” offers for the building that Alberta says were fair. It’s that disparity that has led Alberta to request the Fort Collins Urban Renewal Authority take the property by eminent domain.
After a little shuttle diplomacy from Fort Collins City Manager Darin Atteberry this week, both parties have agreed to ongoing talks for the next 30 days to see if they can find a suitable solution that would avoid legal action such as eminent domain. They’ve also agreed to maintain silence with the media.
Sears spokesman Sean Duffy said Sears appreciates efforts the city made to bring everybody together. But he acknowledged there is more to Sears than the real estate. “There is the loss to the business that is separate and apart from the building. It’s not like it’s a vacant piece of property now. It all goes together.”
Ferrier, Pat. The Coloradoan 11 January 2013.