The Fresno City Council met Thursday in closed session to discuss a possible lawsuit over restrictions on a proposed Sprouts Farmers Market coming to the burgeoning Fancher Creek Town Center.

On Oct. 20, a lawyer for Lance-Kashian & Co. penned a letter to Fresno City Attorney Andrew Janz saying city staff has refused to approve a site plan for the market at Fancher Creek because the grocery store conflicts with a proposed trail for the southeast neighborhood at Tulare and Clovis avenues.

The attorney for Lance-Kashian, Charity Schiller, said in the letter that the grocery store does not conflict with the trail. Schiller said not approving the plan violates the development agreement between the city and Lance-Kashian. Calls made to the development company were not returned.

“We urge the City to reconsider its position, and to confirm that it will immediately move forward with approval of the proposed Marketplace Site Plan, as submitted, and the issuance of building permits for the Sprouts Farmers Market,” the letter stated. “If the City is unable to take these actions, I have been directed to evaluate potential legal remedies against the City, including the potential for litigation.”

Sprouts Would Provide ‘Much-Needed, Health-Focused Grocery Option’

The Fancher Creek Marketplace would have 287,780 square feet of buildings on nearly 25 acres, according to the site plan filed with the city.

At one end would be a strip mall and adjacent to that, the Sprouts would anchor the shopping center. Running south and east of the shopping center, the public trail would snake along the perimeter.

Schiller said the Sprouts market would provide a “much-needed, health-focused, grocery option” for the community.

Calls made to Janz and Fresno City Councilmember Luis Chavez were not returned. Chavez represents the area in which Fancher Creek is being built.

How Is Fancher Creek Development Coming Along?

Housing has been booming in southeast Fresno. Lance-Kashian & Co. opened the 180-unit Brandhaven Senior Living facility recently. They are currently taking applications.

The first phase of the affordable housing complex Sarah’s Court should open in 2024. Following that, a second phase will double the number of units. All told, the project will bring 240 units of affordable housing.

In April, Fresno City Council gave Lance-Kashian & Co. $2.7 million to pay for water infrastructure at the two housing projects.