'I got no choice,' says Danny Williams on court action filed against City of St. John's

Former premier Danny Williams claims he has been "backed into a corner" by the City of St. John's over stalled building permits for the Galway project, and that's why he is turning to the courts.

"We have to go to court and try and break this impasse, which is something I reluctantly do," he said.

"Imean, you know, we can't fight city hall they control the future and everything else but Igot no choice."

• Danny Williams claims St. John's acting in 'bad faith' when it comes to Galway development

Williams has filed an application with the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador, claiming the city has "exceeded its authority" specifically that the city is withholding additional building permits until Williams agrees to give up his right to take the city to court if any disputes arise.

No building permits means everything is being held up, according to Williams, including thenew Costco store that is expected to relocatefrom StavangerDrive.

"I am not asking for special orpreferential treatment, but I simply cannot spend almost $100 million out of my own pocketand give up my right to take legal action forevermore," said Williams, who is president and CEO of DewCor and the company 10718.

"It would be unconscionable and irresponsible, just as I would never expect the city to give up its right to sue me."

Williams: Galwayproject being singled out

Williams, who said he is not seeking any "financial compensation," said he is being targeted unfairly.

The City of St. John's requires development agreements (DA) prior to construction. But Williams insists many high-profile projects like Kelsey Drive and Hebron Wayhaven't been held to that rule andhave proceeded with construction with either unsigned DAs or none at all.

He said city staff members are demanding 16 development agreements for the first phase ofGalwayalone, and Access to Information requests filed by Williamshave produced only 14 similaragreements for the whole city over 30 years.

"I don't get it, I don't understand the rational for why they're doing this," said Williams.

"Despite protestations that they treat everyone the same, paper trails clearly demonstrate otherwise," said Williams.

In his application, Williams also asked a judge to order that city council not city staff make decisions on the granting ofdevelopment agreements for Galway.

He is hoping for a speedy resolution.

"Ihave trouble describing to you and topeople generally what I'mexperiencingdown there ," he said.

"We're doing it by the book, every single nut and bolt and piece of pavement has been approved and inspected and has been signed off by the city ... and all of a sudden they throw another roadblock."

On Friday, the City of St. John's issued a news release saying it was served an application regarding the Galway Development.

The release saidlawyers hired by the city will file a detailed defence to the allegations in court.

An email to the City of St. John's inquiring about other projects and the status of development agreements was not immediatelyanswered on Monday.