Granite Park operator secures insurance required by Fresno, can resume alcohol sales [The Fresno Bee]

Fresno Bee, The (CA)

Apr. 22—City officials confirmed Thursday the operator of Granite Park has the proper insurance that covers the city and can resume alcohol sales.

About two weeks ago, two Fresno City Councilmembers revealed the Granite Park operator, Central Valley Community Sports Foundation, didn't have the insurance coverage required by the city. Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer and City Manager Georgeanne White said they worried the lack of coverage would subject the city to liability in the case of a lawsuit.

Terance Frazier, president of the foundation, cooperated with the city and paused selling alcohol on Good Friday until he could meet the city's requirements. On Thursday, the city confirmed Frazier provided proof of the necessary insurance coverage.

Frazier said in a statement Thursday that the increased insurance limits were not part of the original lease with the city but were added later, at a significant cost to the foundation.

"Central Valley Community Sports Foundation has consistently strived to remain compliant with all lease obligations, including any obligations that have been imposed by the city post lease execution," Frazier said. "Central Valley Community Sports Foundation has always maintained insurance in connection with Granite Park."

Frazier said it took three separate insurance brokers to confirm Granite Park was in compliance with the city's request.

The city owns Granite Park and pays Frazier's nonprofit to lease and maintain the property.

Frazier and city of Fresno officials have been at odds since 2018. The conflict was sparked over a city audit of Granite Park finances, and it's politically charged since Frazier is the fiance of Fresno City Councilmember Esmeralda Soria and former Congressman TJ Cox previously was Frazier's partner for the foundation.

Frazier also is personally suing the city. Earlier this week, a federal judge ruled the lawsuit could move forward in part, despite the city's motion to dismiss the case. Frazier's attorney said he plans to amend the complaint with new allegations that have transpired since the lawsuit was filed.

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