projects at issue in this suit. All of the partners in the partnerships are citizens of states other than Virginia, and the amount in controversy exceeds the sum of $10,000.00, exclusive of interest and costs.
3. On November 2, 1982, pursuant to the provisions of Title 36 of the Virginia Code, the City adopted a plan to renovate and revitalize downtown Newport News, known as the Newport Centre Redevelopment Plan. In mid-1982, David Carley contacted Newport News City Manager, Robert T. Williams, and expressed interest in becoming the developer of some of the development projects described in Phase I of the Newport Centre Program. After various discussions and a presentation to the city council, the City approved, by resolution on December 20, 1982, a Development Option Agreement with Carley,for three of the Phase I projects. Specifically, the Development Option Agreement gave Carley the exclusive right and option, for a period of three months, to study the economic feasibility of three projects and to present an agreement for the development of those projects: a seventeen-story office building known as Washington Tower West; a twenty-five story hotel with associated retail, commercial and meeting room space; and a Courthouse Office Building.
4. During the option period, although not contemplated by the terms of the December 20, 1982 Development Option Agreement or by Phase I of the Newport Centre Program, Carley and City representatives discussed the possibility of including a high-rise residential apartment tower in the list of projects to be undertaken by Carley. On February 23, 1983, Carley reported to