John George said he thought he had a pro bono deal with a contractor for work on the Motor City Java House. (Credit: Fox 2 News)
DETROIT (WJBK) -
There are two sides to every story. Motor City Blight Busters told Fox 2 they entered into a pro bono deal with JC Beal Construction, but the company's attorney says that's not true, and they have the paperwork to prove it.
John George of Motor City Blight Busters and his wife, Alicia Marion, owner of Motor City Java House, are on the hook for a lot of money -- more than $133,000. It's money they say they don't owe.
"We didn't call JC Beal. They called us. We were told all along the way that it would be at no charge," said George. "We might owe Fred Beal and JC Beal something, but it's not $68,000. It's nowhere near that."
This week a judge awarded Beal Incorporated and JC Beal Construction two separate judgements upwards of $60,000.
Beal attorney Nora Lee Wright said the lawsuit was a last resort.
"When he wouldn't sign the settlement agreement and wouldn't make any more payments, that's when I filed the default," she explained.
George told Fox 2 News they thought upgrades and investments in Motor City Java House were pro bono. George said he was shocked to learn he had lost a judgement since he claims he was never notified of the lawsuit.
"It's an absolute lie," Wright said. "I know for a fact Fred Beal was in the room with John George when he got served."
Beal Incorporated provided an email from a Motor City Blight Busters executive. He was asked, "When can we expect our next payment on Java House?" The exec answered, "John is committed to paying back JC Beal every penny."
Blight Busters has done great things for Detroit cleaning up eyesores and abandoned buildings in the city, but now the nonprofit may have to close its doors to get its own house in order.
"I started this organization 25 years ago this June with a rake and a broom, and if I've got to continue with just that, I will," said George.
Tuesday, March 12 2013 4:33 PM EDT2013-03-12 20:33:13 GMT
The 75-year-old grandmother charged with open murder in the shooting death of her own grandson could take the stand any day in her own defense, but Tuesday belonged to the prosecution.
The 75-year-old grandmother charged with open murder in the shooting death of her own grandson could take the stand any day in her own defense, but Tuesday belonged to the prosecution.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:07 PM EDT2013-05-23 02:07:10 GMT
13 dogs were rescued from a house on Ewers in southwest Detroit. The three most emaciated dogs were taken to the VCA in St. Clair Shores. They are being held in isolation for at least a week.
13 dogs were rescued from a house on Ewers in southwest Detroit. The three most emaciated dogs were taken to the VCA in St. Clair Shores. They are being held in isolation for at least a week and being treated and screened for diseases.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 9:56 PM EDT2013-05-23 01:56:23 GMT
Children were literally screaming for peace. Elementary school students at Cesar Chavez Academy in southwest Detroit spoke out for themselves -- stop bullying and stop the violence.
Children were literally screaming for peace. Elementary school students at Cesar Chavez Academy in southwest Detroit spoke out for themselves -- stop bullying and stop the violence.
Sunday, May 19 2013 9:08 PM EDT2013-05-20 01:08:52 GMT
It's National Boating Safety Week - a good time to learn about new boating safety regulations. Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham talked with Fox 2 about what boaters need to know.
It's National Boating Safety Week - a good time to learn about new boating safety regulations. Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham talked with Fox 2 about what boaters need to know.
Thursday, May 23 2013 8:39 PM EDT2013-05-24 00:39:46 GMT
Army Specialist Jenna Beno bravely fought for our country. Sadly, she died after an attack in Iraq. Thursday, the young soldier was honored during an emotional ceremony in Clarkston.
Army Specialist Jenna Beno bravely fought for our country. Sadly, she died after an attack in Iraq. Thursday, the young soldier was honored during an emotional ceremony in Clarkston.
Thursday, May 23 2013 8:53 PM EDT2013-05-24 00:53:47 GMT
Anna Bailey was walking back from the gas station Thursday morning when she found 16-year-old Emonte Davis lying in the middle of the sidewalk on Sharon Street. He had been shot in the chest, and she tried to help.
Anna Bailey was walking back from the gas station Thursday morning when she found 16-year-old Emonte Davis lying in the middle of the sidewalk on Sharon Street. He had been shot in the chest, and she tried to help.
Thursday, May 23 2013 9:21 PM EDT2013-05-24 01:21:55 GMT
The mountains of petroleum coke along Detroit's riverfront continue to grow. Now lawmakers are saying the stuff has to go as the story gets national attention.
The mountains of petroleum coke along Detroit's riverfront continue to grow. Now lawmakers are saying the stuff has to go as the story gets national attention.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:38 PM EDT2013-05-23 23:38:56 GMT
Kwame Kilpatrick, now a convicted felon, officially fired his longtime attorney Jim Thomas on Thursday. It's a move that will delay the former mayor's sentencing.
Kwame Kilpatrick, now a convicted felon, officially fired his longtime attorney Jim Thomas on Thursday. It's a move that will delay the former mayor's sentencing.
Thursday, May 23 2013 1:30 PM EDT2013-05-23 17:30:30 GMT
The incident forcing the partial evacuation of Detroit Metropolitan Airport for hours one day last month was triggered by law enforcement officials' belief that they'd found an improvised explosive device in luggage.
The incident forcing the partial evacuation of Detroit Metropolitan Airport for hours one day last month was triggered by law enforcement officials' belief that they'd found an improvised explosive device in luggage.
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John George said he thought he had a pro bono deal with a contractor for work on the Motor City Java House. (Credit: Fox 2 News)
