The Fate Tribune has unearthed a web of collusion entangling city officials and developers, shedding light on the clandestine machinations behind the controversial Lafayette Crossing (Yu Tract) mixed-use development project. Despite fervent opposition from the citizens of Fate, the project received the green light from the City Council, a decision now tainted by evidence of backroom dealings and manipulation.
Following an Open Records Request (ORR) for communication between city officials and the developers, The Fate Tribune obtained a trove of 682 pages of correspondence, exposing the extent of collaboration and coordination aimed at pushing the project forward. While much of the correspondence appeared mundane, scheduling meetings and discussing technical details, key insights emerged that paint a damning picture of collusion.
At the forefront of this nexus of influence is City Planner Ryan Wells, whose role in championing the development raises serious questions about impartiality and ethical conduct. Throughout the correspondence, Wells emerges as a driving force behind the project, actively advocating for its approval and providing unwavering support to the developers. His efforts did not go unnoticed, as Yixiao Liu, Principal at TBG Partners, the Master Plan Designers, expressed gratitude for Wells’ relentless commitment.
In an email, Yixiao Liu, Principal at TBG Partners, the Master Plan Designers, thanked Ryan for, “investing and pushing from all ends of this project, very lucky to have this level of support from the city!”
One particularly alarming revelation is Wells’ orchestration of a bus tour for the City Council and the Planning and Zoning Commission, aimed at showcasing properties that align with the vision of the Yu Tract development. This calculated move, as evidenced in another email from Wells to Liu, was intended to sway decision-makers by familiarizing them with “exemplary mixed-use and residential development,” effectively priming them for approval so that they may, “understand and increase their receptivity to some of the concepts and principles that we expect to be incorporated into the Yu Tract design.”, Wells states.
It’s important to remember that Wells is a planner for the City of Fate, not the developer. He is not the designer of the project. Why he should have such hubris to think that he has any say in what to expect will be incorporated into the design is puzzling. As a city planner, his job is to receive applications, check that they meet city standards, and then recommend they be approved by the Council … or not. That is what a city planner is supposed to do. But the depth of the email shows that Wells goes way beyond that scope.
Further correspondence exposed a disturbing awareness of the political landscape within Fate, with developers strategizing to avoid contentious issues during election cycles. Jim Wills, the Lafayette Developer, revealed in an email that Justin Weiss, Economic Development Manager advised Wills to delay project submissions to the Planning & Zoning board until after the filing deadline for City Council applications to assess potential challengers. This tactical maneuver, as detailed by Wills, was aimed to circumvent public scrutiny and ensure a smoother path to approval.
The intertwined interests of City officials and developers become even more apparent when viewed in conjunction with previous reports in the Fate Tribune of a “Fire Support” scheme orchestrated by City Manager Michael Kovacs. The Fate Tribune previously uncovered evidence of manipulation and public opinion interference, implicating Ryan Breckenridge of “BRK Partners” in a coordinated PR campaign aimed at swaying public sentiment in favor of the project.
Kovacs’ Wildfire: Unraveling Fate City Manager ‘Fire-Support’ Scheme
Emails Between City Officials and Developer over Lafayette Crossing
With the City Manager referring to the development as “Our Olympics,” it becomes evident that considerable resources and efforts were dedicated to ensuring its fruition long before public disclosure. The relentless pursuit of approval, coupled with the calculated maneuvers to mitigate opposition, paints a disturbing picture of a democratic process undermined by collusion and deceit.
As Fate residents grapple with the aftermath of these revelations, questions linger about the integrity of their elected officials and the transparency of local governance. With mounting evidence of corruption, it is imperative that accountability measures be enforced, and steps taken to restore public trust in the institutions entrusted with shaping the future of Fate. The Fate Tribune remains committed to uncovering the truth and holding those responsible accountable for their actions.