Granite Park fails to meet Fresno’s insurance deadline — no alcohol for Easter weekend
Granite Park cannot legally serve alcohol this Easter weekend or for the near future until the operator provides proper proof of insurance to Fresno city officials.
City Attorney Doug Sloan on Monday notified Central Valley Community Sports Foundation of a Friday deadline to provide proof of proper insurance. On Friday at 5 p.m., city officials said that while the nonprofit made modifications to the insurance policy, it still did not provide the city coverage for alcohol sales and consumption on the property.
“Our Risk Manager and City Attorney are in communication with the attorney representing the operator of Granite Park in hopes of working out a solution,” officials said in a statement.
The park’s website was advertising an inflatable theme park event for Easter Weekend.
“I’m going to follow the city’s direction and jump through another hoop and try to find this specialized insurance that the city is requesting,” said Terance Frazier, the foundation president. “I’m not going to risk losing my lease for a technicality.”
Frazier added that the lease agreement allows the city to change the insurance requirement at any time.
“Last I checked, there’s no indication that they’re going to meet the deadline,” Fresno City Councilmember Mike Karbassi told The Bee shortly before 5 p.m. “If they want more time, that’s always an option, but they’re going to have to cease alcohol sales until they get the right insurance.”
Last week, Karbassi and Councilmembers Garry Bredefeld revealed that the city is not covered by Granite Park’s insurance, leaving the city open to liability for lawsuits. Mayor Jerry Dyer and City Manager Georgeanne White said they’ve tried to resolve the issue to no avail for months.
Frazier, a local developer, said he has the proper park insurance, and the nonprofit has maintained the liquor liability insurance at all times. Frazier said his insurance broker said there is sufficient coverage for the city.
The insurance issue is the latest in a years-long, politically charged public dispute between the city and Frazier’s foundation.
Conflict began in 2019 when the city released an audit of the foundation’s finances. Since then, players on both sides — including a congressman and business partner, city manager, mayor, and mayoral chief of staff — have left their respective positions. Frazier is suing the city, alleging discrimination. Bredefeld, for years, has alleged Frazier gets special treatment from the city because he’s engaged to Councilmember Esmeralda Soria.
Despite all the clashes, Frazier continues to operate the park, drawing thousands of visitors each year. Before leasing the property, Granite Park sat unused for years.
This story was originally published April 15, 2022 at 5:22 PM.