Сделка Ли по покупке старого Price Chopper столкнулась с препятствием из-за новых условий

LEE — In a surprising twist prior to Tuesday's Select Board meeting, an anticipated purchase-and-sale agreement for the decommissioned Price Chopper building in Lee faced an unexpected amendment. This building, shuttered since 2017, was the subject of an offer by the town's Select Board to purchase it for $1.9 million from Mohammed Zabian—well-known as the proprietor of Zabian's Fine Jewelry—who had acquired the site in February after resolving an extensive legal confrontation. The acquisition was seen as a potential means to expand downtown parking, a need increasingly felt in Lee. Just before the meeting, however, Bob Jones, the board's chair, acknowledged that the terms were adjusted to the point of being 'materially changed.' The Select Board refrained from addressing the amended proposal during their session, recognizing the substantial differences flagged by Zabian, who now owned the property following a settlement with The Golub Corporation, Price Chopper's parent company. Initially, Zabian had impeded a prior plan to transform the site into a food market and affordable housing due to concerns over parking for his business. Despite originally agreeing on a rough framework, Zabian revised the contract, stating a lack of clear specifics initially led to the revision via his legal counsel. His proposal, finalized and submitted before the board meeting, deviates markedly from the board’s preliminary terms, creating an impasse as described by Jones. Sean Reigner, another board member, supported postponement, echoing concerns over the complexity of Zabian’s revisions. Though unmet expectations cooled proceedings, Zabian remains optimistic, citing shared aspirations for better parking solutions in Lee, signaling a possible reopening of negotiations. Meanwhile, the building’s 'For Lease' notice, coupled with a $3 million online valuation, hints at ongoing possibilities if an agreement isn't brokered. The Select Board, collectively in favor of delaying any decision, aims to reassess and possibly transition into a resolution that would be presented to Town Meeting pending mutual agreement. Thus, hopes remain fostered for an arrangement beneficial to both parties and the community’s infrastructure needs.