The City of Fresno plans to take over operations of Granite Park. Photo by Dylan Gonazales

Fresno City Manager Georgeanne White announced Tuesday that the city of Fresno is temporarily pausing legal proceedings in its ongoing dispute over north central Fresno’s Granite Park, following new involvement from the property’s lender.

In the statement, White said the city was notified Sunday by attorneys representing James Huelskamp of LandValue Management, LLC, the lender to Central Valley Community Sports Foundation (CVCSF), which operates Granite Park, of his intent to intervene in pending eviction proceedings.

The city described the outreach as the first significant communication from the lender in months.

“In light of this development, the City believes it is in the public’s best interest to temporarily pause litigation to open a direct dialogue with LandValue,” White said. “The City remains committed to enforcing the Lease and addressing the ongoing and numerous breaches by the current tenant.”

The statement said that unless the lender cures CVCSF’s defaults — as required under the lease — the city will resume litigation, including efforts to evict the foundation from the city-owned sports complex.

The dispute stems from what the city of Fresno says is $1.3 million in unpaid obligations by CVCSF, led by Terance Fraizer, its president. The obligations include rent, utility bills and revenue from billboards.

In November, Fraizer publicly disputed the city’s claims and vowed not to give up the park, citing its importance to the community and local youth.

White concluded her statement reaffirming that the city is committed to enforcing the lease and ensuring that public property is used in compliance with all legal, financial and operational obligations.