Tyler Chapman obtains defense verdict in commercial property development dispute
Tyler E. Chapman obtained a defense verdict dismissing all claims against his real estate developer client related to the purchase of a closed Fall River school and subsequent development of the property into single family homes.
A Bristol County Superior Court judge after hearing evidence at trial rejected the plaintiffs’ allegations that Mr. Chapman’s client had agreed to enter a joint venture with them for developing the property. The judge instead found that no contract existed among the parties, and that Mr. Chapman’s client had rejected any proposal to jointly acquire and develop the property.
Mr. Chapman’s client instead individually acquired and developed the property, the judge found.
“There is simply no evidence that the parties came to any agreement about the terms of the purported contract, or that [Mr. Chapman’s client] had any intent to be bound by any agreement to develop the property with [the plaintiffs],” the judge wrote in her decision.
The judge also rejected related claims of breach of fiduciary duty, breach of implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and unfair business practices.
Mr. Chapman, a partner at the firm, concentrates his practice on commercial and real estate-related litigation, including disputes relating to the sale, acquisition, and development of real estate, as well as disputes over easements and other property rights.