AED and Delta Demolition’s public spat over Bellaire Bridge ownership turns nasty.
In the latest round of media posturing, Delta Demolition’s Lee Chaklos has laid the blame for delays in demolishing the Bellaire Bridge squarely at the feet of Advanced Explosive Demolition’s (AED) Eric Kelly. “The biggest reason for the delay (in starting demolition of the bridge) is that AED is up to no good,” Chaklos said. “He (AED Vice President Eric Kelly) has been calling the local police station, informing them that he owns the bridge.”
Kelly initially purchased the bridge from Bellaire businessman Roger Barack earlier this year for $1. The firm then reportedly sold the bridge to Krystle Chaklos, also of Delta Demolition, under the name KDC Investments for $25,000. Indications then were that KDC and Delta Demolition would use AED’s expertise to blow the span.
Chaklos claims that he has an e-mail from Kelly dated June 3 stating the financial transaction between the companies was complete and congratulating KDC on being the new owner of the bridge. But Chaklos said AED’s claims of owning the bridge started after July 7, when he informed Kelly “his services wouldn’t be needed.”
“He was unable to comply with our insurance requirements,” Chaklos said of Kelly. “He was trying to fly under the radar. He thought he could go in under our contractor’s license. He couldn’t. He had to get his own.”
Chaklos noted that while he does not yet have his own license for West Virginia, he plans to travel to Charleston soon to take the test to obtain it.
But AED is not taking the matter lying down. In a press statement, the Eric Kelly says: “AED disputes any reference to ownership, monetary cost and future involvement in the Bellaire Bridge demolition.” Kelly further states that his company will present its own plans for demolishing the bridge to Benwood officials and the U.S. Coast Guard.
He termed previous comments from Chaklos – saying AED would not cooperate with Delta Demolition – “inaccurate, unfounded and libelous in reference.”
“AED has been working with the previous owner of the bridge and the city of Benwood since 2008 and has extended every professional effort to bring the demolition to fruition,” Kelly states. “The delays by Delta Demolition and KDC Investments have been well documented by the city of Benwood, and have no reflection on AED.
“Future statements will be forthcoming from counsel once the contracts for ownership and demolition are processed through the judicial system,” he added. “Once again AED would like to thank the citizens of Benwood and the Benwood city officials for their support and professional response.”
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