Blackwater has given the city of San Diego until close of business tomorrow to reconsider its denial of permit for an Otay Mesa warehouse. The company wants to open a Navy training center there. But the city says the project needs more review. KPBS Reporter Amita Sharma has more.
Blackwater's attorneys sent a letter to the city earlier this week. The lawyers say City Attorney Mike Aguirre's contention that the city's rules requires the projects firing range to undergo further review is fatally flawed.
The attorneys argue those rules exempts target ranges like the one Blackwater has included in its planned facility. The letter warns the city that withholding Blackwater's occupancy permit for the Otay Mesa facility will jeopardize the company's contract with the Navy, damage its reputation and harm national security.
The attorneys go on to say that if they don't hear back from the city by the end of the day today, they will be forced to take other steps to enforce Blackwater's rights.
Mayor Jerry Sanders was unavailable for comment.
Meanwhile, a source says the mayor's inquiry into how the company received city permits will not be released today as planned.
Amita Sharma, KPBS News.
