As a result of her review of her firm’s involvement with Lennar Homes of California, Centre City Development Corporation (CCDC) Corporate Counsel Helen Holmes Peak has notified Board Chair Fred Maas of a partner’s client relationship with Lennar dating to 2005. Although Peak disclosed her firm’s relationship with respect to Lennar in 2007, at the time of consideration of the Ballpark Village Owner Participation Agreement in 2005, she was unaware of the relationship and had not disqualified herself from meetings on the project since that time. Peak’s resignation has been tendered and will formally be presented to the board at its Sept. 10 special meeting. Additionally, the Board will consider appointment of Murray Kane of Kane, Ballmer & Berkman (KBB) as interim corporate counsel until such time as it authorizes a request for proposals for municipal law experts. KBB represents approximately three dozen public entities, mostly redevelopment agencies and cities located throughout California. –From staff reports “Although Helen’s role with respect to this project was merely administrative and procedural, we greatly regret the submission of her resignation, but in this current environment, we must respect her sensitivity to this unfortunate situation,” said CCDC Chairman Fred Maas, “Difficult times warrant difficult choices. I think I can speak on behalf of the Board in saying that Helen’s counsel will be sorely missed and we are grateful for her service to the corporation and to the City. CCDC remains committed to maintaining the public’s full confidence in this organization and will continue to work diligently through the process.” CCDC has taken several significant steps in an effort to thoroughly review all downtown projects over the past three years for any potential conflicts of interest. These include amending its existing contract with outside counsel McDougal Love Eckis Smith Boehmer Foley to review all documents and agreements for downtown developments planned or in negotiations, in particular projects with The Related Companies and Lennar Corporation. Additionally, CCDC will be entering into a contract with The Center for Government Studies (CGS) to conduct a review of methods to improve CCDC’s conflict of interest and ethics procedures. CGS, founded in 1983, is an experienced, respected leader in political reform and community development. CCDC is working directly with CGS President Bob Stern, who served for nine years as the former general counsel of the California Fair Political Practices Commission. Stern has authored a number of statewide initiatives enacted by California voters, including the Political Reform Act of 1974.