Judge Issues Ruling on Lawsuit Involving Troy Mills

The developer has brought a lawsuit against the town of Troy claiming due process violations and negligence by the town.

A ruling was delivered on Friday by a Cheshire County Superior Court judge concerning a lawsuit initiated by a developer against the town of Troy in 2023. Christopher Eric Farris, the developer aiming to convert a section of the former Troy Mills site into residential units, filed the lawsuit over claims regarding promised access to water and sewer services. The town's water and sewer department recently imposed new criteria that, according to them, Farris did not satisfy.

Earlier this year, Judge Anne Edwards was approached by the town and its water and sewer department for a summary judgment on the allegations brought forth by Farris. A summary judgment is a legal determination made by the court that resolves certain issues based on agreed facts without a full trial.

In her ruling, Edwards fully granted the town's summary judgment request regarding three allegations and partially granted it on two others. She concluded that there is insufficient evidence to support claims of due process violations or negligence by the town. Furthermore, the judge ruled that the town’s regulatory measures and policies do not constitute an unlawful seizure of property.

Edwards also affirmed that Farris did not possess an inherent right to access water and sewer connections. While she approved the summary judgment related to a bad faith claim as a distinct issue, she rejected that assertion when it was included within other claims by Farris.

Despite these rulings, several allegations remain active, including claims of unequal protection and municipal estoppel, as these points of contention still involve unresolved factual disputes.