Ambassador Bridge Owner Found In Contempt
DETROIT (WWJ) - For the second time this year, Ambassador Bridge officials have been found in contempt of court for not following orders in completing their part of the Gateway project that would connect I-75 and I-96 to the bridge.
MDOT Regional Engineer Tony Kratofil said the Detroit International Bridge Company and owner Manuel "Matty" Maroun have been dragging their feet for the past two years.
"They've begun work, superficial work, but clearly they've had a couple of years to really do this. And, if that's all that they could get accomplished, clearly their intent is not to get it done," Kratofil said.
Without the improvements Kratofil said trucks have been forced to use neighborhood roads, which hasn't been welcome by residents of Southwest Detroit.
Wayne County Circuit Judge Prentis Edwards has ordered Maroun to be present in his courtroom January 12. At that time Edwards will announce his decision on what he believes will be the proper remedy for this latest contempt of court. It could be appointing a receiver or independent construction company to take over the project or even jail time, which wouldn't be the first time in this case.
Judge Edwards put the bridge company's president Dan Stamper behind bars briefly last January for failing to follow orders to demolish fueling stations and toll booths at the Detroit end of the bridge.
"It's clear that the bridge company has not worked actively to comply with the judge's order or to comply with their contractual agreement with us," said Kratofil. "It's time to have somebody else step in and perform that work."
Officials with the bridge company tell WWJ that the judge was wrong -- and they will appeal.
Last summer, Stamper told WWJ Newsradio 950 they would complete their work on the project by early 2012, but only if MDOT reopens freeway ramps in the area.
