Tech billionaire Matthew Prince is ratcheting up the pressure on neighbors trying to block his planned mansion in Park City, Utah. He is currently filing a second lawsuit against Eric Herman and Susan Fredston Herman, alleging that the retaining wall encroaches on his property.
Prince, co-founder of high-tech security company Cloudflare, had previously sued the couple over the Bernese Mountain dog's behavior, arguing that the dog often gets loose and gets out of control.
Mr. Herman and Mr. Fredston Herman have emerged as Prince's main opponents in the property dispute. They filed an appeal last month after Prince received approval to build the homes, arguing that Prince's proposal violated city planning laws. Eight other people, including his friends, also joined the appeal.
In an interview with The Daily Beast in March, Prince admitted that the couple's objections were a factor in his decision to sue over their pets. “At some point, I think it's pretty reasonable for you to say enough is enough. Especially if they're kind of appealing to you, or at least your ability to build a house. Especially,” she said, referring to her dogs Sasha and Moka.
“This is essentially just two rich people fighting, which is stupid, but here we are,” he added.
This is a stamp to support Susan Fredston Herman and Eric Herman's beloved dogs.
Provided to The Daily Beast.
Representatives for Mr. Herman and Fredston Herman had no comment at the time of publication. Bruce Baird, the prince's lawyer, told The Daily Beast that the retaining wall issue came to light after the princes purchased the property and conducted a survey. He argued that this is important because the disputed portion of the property may be needed as a backup if the client is not allowed to proceed with its current housing offer.
News of the second application was previously reported by local media outlet KPCW.
The Park City drama has been unfolding for months. Last year, amid what he saw as a lack of cooperation from local officials, Prince tried to get the housing approved by hiring lobbyists to try to maneuver the plan through the state Legislature.
“Some seemingly innocuous language was slipped into a bill that essentially gave the prince a carte blanche.” salt lake tribune he said. Park City's mayor blasted the proposed bill as “privileging one resident over the community,” but the strategy ultimately failed.
While Prince's allies say the millionaire's blueprint is elegant and legal, his opponents say he is trying to force preferential treatment. A resident told The Daily Beast this week that some local residents have begun to show support and disgust for the Bernese Mountain Dog, which they believe has been unfairly maligned. .
Cars around town are now adorned with stickers depicting two happy puppies and the cry: “Free Sasha and Mocha.”
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