Minneapolis, Goodman, lose development suit

A judge ruled today in favor of a developer who sued the Minneapolis City Council -- targeting his claims at Councilmember Lisa Goodman -- over a Loring Park development project that was denied. Brad Hoyt is seeking $23.6 million in damages.

Hennepin County District Court Judge Stephen Aldrich found that Hoyt's right to procedural due process was violated by Goodman. The focus of Aldrich's ruling is Goodman e-mails and comments about the proposed development, known as Parc Centrale, before the project went before the Zoning and Planning Committee and the City Council.

Parc Centrale was to be a 21-story tower with condominiums and three stories of townhomes at 401 Oak Grove, across from Loring Park. Neighbors gathered around 800 signatures against the project.

Aldrich will hold court September 29 and 30 to determine what damages the city must pay to Hoyt.