PALATKA, Fla. – An impartial investigation into the Metropolis of Palatka’s former interim metropolis supervisor, Jonathan Griffith, has concluded that he hid sure enterprise relationships whereas serving in that place.
The findings, detailed in a report obtained by News4JAX on Thursday, query Griffith’s transparency and his use of metropolis place to profit companies he was related to.
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The report additionally reveals that his monetary pursuits “have been vastly enhanced by actions required from the Fee, a Fee stored at the hours of darkness by false or deceptive paperwork.”
Property swap raises questions
The Remaining report centered on a land swap deal involving a property referred to as “River Heart” and one other one known as “Port Consolidated.”
Blue Crab Improvement Group North LLC, which is owned by a Palatka legal professional, entered an settlement with the Metropolis of Palatka to swap the Port Consolidated land. Based on stories, Blue Crab bought the properties positioned at 100 and 102 Reid St. in January for $1.3 million, regardless of the identical properties promoting for $45,600 in 2023.
In trade for the property, the Metropolis of Palatka deeded the River Heart property to Blue Crab Improvement. Whereas value determinations valued the River Heart at $1.6 million, the Port Consolidated property was appraised at $1.325 million. This meant Blue Crab paid a further $275,000 to even out the deal.
Nevertheless, the report recognized a hidden battle of curiosity: Griffith and the legal professional who owned Blue Crab Improvement have been enterprise companions on the time of the transaction.
Hidden partnership raises moral questions
The report asserts that Griffith had an obligation to reveal his partnership with Blue Crab’s proprietor to metropolis officers, however he didn’t. The ultimate report mentioned the omission prompts considerations, and states residents ought to ask the town if they may have acquired the Port Consolidated land for considerably much less.
The investigator concluded, “Mr. Griffith deliberately hid his enterprise curiosity.”
Efforts to succeed in Griffith for remark have been unsuccessful. News4JAX additionally contacted Palatka’s mayor and metropolis commissioners for his or her views on the findings. As of now, no responses have been acquired.
The investigator will current these findings in individual to the Palatka Metropolis Fee on Jan. 9. This assembly is to supply a possibility for the Fee and the general public to raised perceive the report’s particulars, allegations, and conclusions.
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