Edge’s $79m row over US houses may be set to end
U2 GUITARIST The Edge could learn today whether a decadeold dispute over a contentious $79million (€73.7million) property development in California will finally get the go ahead.
A US court heard arguments this week over the development of five homes on the coast in Malibu after environmental activists objected to a green light given by state regulators.
The case being heard in California’s Superior Court is only the latest salvo in a situation that has angered some locals since shortly after The Edge, real name David Evans, bought the 150-acre prime piece of land for $9million in 2005.
He first announced plans for the five-home development in 2007, but a first attempt to build at Sweetwater Mesa in the Santa Monica Hills above Malibu was rejected by the California Coastal Commission, the regulators, in 2011.
Following some changes in the plans, and further objections from local residents and environmental- ists, it was finally approved by the commission in December 2015.
The Sierra Club environmental group objected to that decision, filing suit in January 2016.
It claimed the state violated its own environmental laws and was cowed by threats of legal action by the developers.
While The Edge, 55, is not named personally in the suit, the companies involved in the development are listed as respondents.
Affidavits previously filed with the coastal commission revealed the identities of the owners of the firms named in the suit: Morleigh Properties LLLP is co-owned by Chantal O’Sullivan and Lisa Menichino, while Mulryan Properties LLLP is co-owned by Tim and Gillian Delaney.
Dean McKillen and Patrick McKillen identify themselves as coowners of Ronan Properties LLLP, The Edge owns Vera LLLP, and Anthony Kilduff owns Lunch LLLP, the affidavits also revealed.
The Sierra Club has asked a Superior Court judge to set aside the Coastal Commission’s approval and delay the development to ensure compliance with local laws.
Situation has angered locals