Posted by Bernie O'Hare at 12:00 AM
Allentown's hockey arena, known as the PPL center, has cost taxpayers at least $160 million. But believe it or not, none of the construction work was publicly bid. So it should come as no great surprise that Alvin H Butz, whose top employees have poured tens of thousands of dollars into Allentown Mayor Edwin Pawlowski and his puppets over the years, was selected as general contractor. No performance bond was required either, notwithstanding state regulations that require them on projects build with state tax dollars. Now the taxpayers are dealing with three mechanics' liens filed by subcontractors.
AmQuip Crane Rental, I.B. Dickinson and Kenseal Construction have all filed liens over invoices that were sent out as the project was finished. It appears that the Dickinson claim has been resolved, but the others are in litigation.1 Read more here: Lehigh Valley Ramblings: Three Liens Filed Over NIZ Arena: Allentown
1 comment:
This sounds like a highly unusual situation. We agree with the author that such public projects are normally required by statute to have a Payment (and Performance) Bond. Why was it waived in this case?
Well qualified contractors should be able to provide such bonds - so why the exception?
Also note: Liens are normally not permitted against public property "You can't place a lien on city hall!" If true in this case, it means the inconvenienced parties are actually the CLAIMANTS who normally would have the right to go against the payment bond, if there was one.
Steve Golia
www.BondingPros.com
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