AVENTURA, FLORIDA (VINnews) — Condo associations representing hundreds of unit owners at Turnberry Isle have sued developer Jeffrey Soffer and the city of Aventura, alleging officials improperly approved plans for two new condominium towers without required resident consent.

The associations for the North and South towers filed the federal lawsuit in Miami on Friday. They accuse the city and YCM Acquisition, an entity managed by Soffer, of bypassing legal requirements for neighboring owners’ approval. The suit claims Soffer exerted “unrelenting pressure” on the city to advance the project.

Soffer, who leads Aventura-based Fontainebleau Development, seeks to build towers with 264 units, parking and amenities on the site of Turnberry Isle’s tennis courts and spa, according to the complaint. The associations represent 565 unit owners in the existing pair of 29-story buildings.

The lawsuit alleges the city approved a 2023 ordinance and the project itself last year “for an improper motive and by pretextual means.” It says the ordinance was designed to work around rules requiring unanimous consent from Turnberry Isle parcel owners for new construction or material changes to the site plan. Those requirements stem from earlier legal settlements finalized in agreements around 2012.

“Through the favor-laden actions of city government,” the owners’ rights “have been cast aside,” the complaint states. It further contends the ordinance and project approval occurred without public hearings and that the project is the only one treated this way due to Soffer’s influence and the city’s “lack of fortitude.”

The suit also alleges zoning violations, including shortfalls in setbacks, open space and parking, and questions whether a standalone marina is allowed under the site’s zoning.

The associations seek a court declaration that the project cannot proceed without their consent, an injunction barring the city from issuing permits, damages and attorneys’ fees. Claims include alleged due process violations under the 14th Amendment and breaches of community agreements.

Fontainebleau Development declined to comment. The city of Aventura and attorneys for the associations did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Soffer’s family has deep ties to Aventura. His late father, Don Soffer, developed much of the area and is widely regarded as a key figure in the city’s growth. The family still holds significant local assets, including the Turnberry Isle Country Club and golf course.