AED cites fraud but court finds in favour of KDC Investments.
It is a bridge that has changed ownership with the rapidity and frequency that most of us change our socks. But the disputed ownership of the Bellaire Bridge finally seems to have been settled. For now.
According to attorney Randall Schmitz, KDC Investments owns the bridge, but Advanced Explosives Demolition (AED), claimed it was fraudulently induced to selling the bridge. According to court documents, a district judge determined that there was no evidence of fraud and ownership remains with KDC.
Delta Demolition’s Lee Chaklos said he is looking forward to starting work after a series of delays in court. He said the next steps include waiting for the Coast Guard to reinstate a notice to proceed, and a permit from the city of Benwood.
“I believe that if there’s anything that the city needs from us, it should be something that we already have and if we don’t it should be so minute that it won’t take us but maybe a few days to get,” he said. Chaklos said they will also have to get an asbestos notice from an asbestos contractor, along with a 2-day mariner’s notice. “Once the mariners’ notice has expired and we have permit in hand, we’re going to go ahead and start work on the bridge,” he said.
But while Chaklos makes ready to mobilise, the fat lady hasn’t started singing quite yet. Schmitz said AED has 42 days to file an appeal.
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