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receiver managing properties tied to developer Doug Cox's alleged fraud in Coconut Grove is seeking court approval for a bulk sale of nine townhouses. The receiver, retired Judge Alan Fine, filed a motion last week for the $18.2 million sale of the townhouses at 2955-2992 Coconut Avenue. Mela Coconut Grove LLC, managed by West Palm Beach attorneys Eric Giray and Lara Hanrahan, is the bidder. If higher offers are received from individual buyers, they could outbid Mela Coconut Grove LLC.

    Fine stated that the bulk sale will allow for the liquidation of secured debt and determine how much money will be left for creditors. A separate motion seeks approval for the $2.4 million sale of a townhouse at 2990 Coconut Avenue to David and Martha Blitz. Cox allegedly sold homes and townhomes while lying to lenders and investors, failed to obtain certificates of occupancy, and built outside permitted areas.

    Thirty-two homebuyers who were owed $34 million agreed to sign quit claim deeds this summer. The receiver's attorney, Paul Singerman, said one remaining townhouse is still for sale but negotiations are underway. The $18.2 million bid breaks down to $1.8 million each for four-bedroom units and $2.2 million each for five-bedroom units.

    Fine noted that they've received higher offers on some of the units and are optimistic about selling at better prices. The sale or sales would close two business days after a court order is signed, with a hearing scheduled for Friday.