Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Available On Air Stations
Watch Live

Blackwater Files Lawsuit Against City of San Diego

It looks like the dispute over whether Blackwater Worldwide can open a Navy training facility in Otay Mesa is headed for a court fight. Blackwater accused city leaders of trying to curry favor with ac

Blackwater Files Lawsuit Against City of San Diego

It looks like the dispute over whether Blackwater Worldwide can open a Navy training facility in Otay Mesa is headed for a court fight. Blackwater accused city leaders of trying to curry favor with activists. KPBS Reporter Amita Sharma has more.

Blackwater has filed a federal lawsuit against the city of San Diego. The private contractor wants a judge to force the city to restore its occupancy permit. City officials had issued the permit but took it back after city attorney Mike Aguirre said the project needed further review. Blackwater's Brian Bonfiglio said the company had no other choice.

Advertisement

Bonfiglio: And it was the required next step in getting our occupancy permit issued, it already had been issued and approved once so we didn't have any recourse."

But City Attorney Aguirre says Blackwater could have waited for the deeper review.

Aguirre: It’s not really something that in my judgment is a appropriately before a federal court.

Blackwater had planned to open the Navy training facility next week.

Amita Sharma, KPBS News.

A big decision awaits some voters this July as the race for San Diego County’s Supervisor District 1 seat heats up. Are you ready to vote? Check out the KPBS Voter Hub to learn about the candidates, the key issues the board is facing and how you can make your voice heard.