CRA confirms extension and deficiency process for Chef Max lease; September 1 deadline to trigger enforcement

The CRA reported that it has approved an extension to the disposition/agreement with Chef Max and that the attorney prepared the extension documents. The board approved the extension at a previous meeting; the extension includes a September 1 deadline by which the operator must be open. Staff said the motion that approved the extension also requested a letter of deficiency be prepared and that the letter is ready to send if Chef Max is not open by the deadline.

Staff described the enforcement options if the operator does not meet the deadline: the CRA could send the letter of deficiency and allow 30 days to correct deficiencies; if deficiencies remain unresolved the CRA could take back the property and proceed with a disposition process to find a new operator. Staff said one alternative to a full re‑disposition would be approving a transfer of the agreement (a sale of the LLC or other assignment) to a different operator, which would still require CRA approval of the new operator’s concept and terms.

Board members noted that if the operator chooses to assign the agreement, the CRA would still need to approve the new operator and that the overall disposition clock could be negotiated to reflect permitting and construction timelines if the operator shows progress. Staff said the operator has the September 1 deadline under the extension and that the letter of deficiency will be issued if the deadline is missed.