Mark Attanasio, the billionaire owner of the Milwaukee Brewers, has found himself at the center of a contentious lawsuit alleging that he has been stealing sand from Malibu's exclusive Broad Beach for his personal construction project. This accusation has sparked significant controversy and environmental concerns.
According to the lawsuit filed by Attanasio's next-door neighbor, James Kohlberg, son of global investor Jerome Kohlberg, Attanasio's construction company, 2XMD Partners LLC, has been using excavators to dig up sand from the beach and transport it to his private property. This activity allegedly began in June and July, despite Attanasio obtaining permits in March only for emergency repairs to his seawall.
The lawsuit claims that this construction has resulted in restricted public access to the beach and has exposed local marine life to hazardous byproducts of the heavy machinery, including gasoline residue in the water and sand. The suit accuses Attanasio of public and private nuisance as well as violation of the California Coastal Act.
Attanasio's attorney, Kenneth Ehrlich, has defended the actions, stating that the construction company has acted in full compliance with all necessary permits from the City of Malibu and LA County. Ehrlich argued that the work was part of a fully-permitted emergency repair to protect the property from ocean forces.
Background on Mark Attanasio
Mark Attanasio, born on September 29, 1957, is a prominent American businessman and the principal owner of the Milwaukee Brewers. He is also a joint majority shareholder of the EFL Championship football club Norwich City. Attanasio's career spans over 35 years in investment management, co-founding Crescent Capital Group in 1991, a Los Angeles-based alternative asset management firm.
Attanasio purchased the Milwaukee Brewers in 2004 from the family of MLB commissioner Bud Selig for an estimated $223 million. Under his leadership, the Brewers have become one of the most competitive teams in the National League, with a strong focus on fan experience and community engagement.
In addition to his role with the Brewers, Attanasio is involved in various other ventures, including being a part-owner of the American Hockey League's Milwaukee Admirals and a major sponsor of the Andy Warhol exhibition at the Milwaukee Art Museum. He also holds positions on several not-for-profit boards, including Heal the Bay and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA).
Impact on the Community and Environment
The allegations against Attanasio highlight concerns about the misuse of public natural resources and the potential environmental damage caused by such actions. Broad Beach, known for its exclusivity and high-value properties, has faced issues with sand depletion due to violent storms and high tides. In 2015, a $31 million restoration project was undertaken by celebrities including Dustin Hoffman, Ray Romano, and Pierce Brosnan to bolster the beachs sand.
The lawsuit seeks to stop the construction, replace the sand, and issue fines, emphasizing the need for responsible use of public resources and adherence to environmental regulations. This case underscores the importance of balancing private property rights with the protection of public and environmental interests.
For more information on Mark Attanasio and his various roles, you can visit his profile on Wikipedia.
