Health care center says lawsuit by EVIT over 2011 lease has no merit

PHOENIX – A health care center being sued by the East Valley Institute of Technology over a 2011 lease agreement said it hasn’t done anything wrong.

EVIT filed a civil lawsuit against Adelante Healthcare, which operates a medical facility on the public trade school’s Mesa campus, on Feb. 26.

Adelante leadership said it was puzzled by the move.

“Now, after 14 years of saying nothing while reaping the benefits of this partnership, EVIT has gone on the attack in what feels like a grab for cash or political leverage,” CEO Pedro Cons said in a press release last week. “Either way, Adelante — which has done nothing wrong — looks forward to defending our actions and reputation in a court of law.”

Adelante built the $15 million, 42,000-square-foot health center on Main Street east of Dobson Road at no cost to the trade school.

“EVIT sought out a partnership with Adelante. EVIT’s board and leadership were instrumental in developing the plan for the facility, which they approved with advice from experienced attorneys,” Cons said.

In addition to providing comprehensive care for low-income community members since 2012, the facility serves as a training ground for EVIT health students.

Why is EVIT suing Adelante Healthcare over lease?

In September 2024, EVIT announced that it uncovered potential issues with Adelante’s 2011 lease, saying the school’s governing board might not have approved it as required by law.

EVIT also raised the possibility that it wasn’t being paid fair market value for rent while a third party made millions on the deal.

“EVIT has not concluded anything nefarious has occurred, but it is our duty to report issues we have concerns with,” Superintendent Dr. Chad Wilson said in a press release at the time. The lawsuit was filed five months later.

Adelante’s current leadership team wasn’t involved in the lease negotiations. The company said it completed a review of the deal and didn’t find any evidence of impropriety.

Despite the lawsuit, Adelante said it remains committed to serving the community.

“EVIT’s unfortunate decision to take legal action against a longtime partner jeopardizes health care for tens of thousands of Mesa residents and a quality education for scores of much-needed health care professionals,” Cons said. “It’s a distraction that detracts from the serious work this partnership was created to accomplish.”

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