Item: Gibson, Maalouf Dispute Land Offer

The Friday 6 edition of the Huntsville Item has more on the land dispute between SHSU and developer Tarek Maalouf:

Sam Houston State University President Dana Gibson on Friday morning told KSAM-FM 101.7 that the university is still waiting for a counter offer from Maalouf Properties for the 2.5-acre site at 2257 Sam Houston Ave. — which includes a 1,900 square foot decommissioned federal military reserve facility commonly referred to as the armory.

But property owner Tarek Maalouf responded Friday afternoon by offering $1,000 to the SHSU ROTC program for every time Gibson could prove that she personally called or emailed him regarding the property, particularly since Maalouf and the city of Huntsville finalized the sale Aug. 22.

The university has made it clear it intends to use eminent domain to acquire the land if Maalouf does not agree to sell.

Maalouf plans to build mixed usage retail and residential complexes on the Sam Houston Avenue property, with coffee shops and possibly eateries on the ground floor and higher end lofts above. The university is still interested in purchasing the property, but the Texas State University System Board of Regents could consider condemnation through eminent domain if negotiations are unsuccessful.

"I will offer $1,000 to the (Sam Houston State University) ROTC department for every communication Dana Gibson, herself, can prove that she sent from her to me about this property," Maalouf said. "Whether it’s communication via email, or an attempt to communicate via the phone line, if she can prove that she attempted to contact me since this is such an important deal to the university, I’ll give donate $1,000 for every occurrence she can prove."