10/20/12 - It appears to be a case of not âifâ but âwhenâ the Barnstormer entertainment complex will be torn down in Green Oak Township. The township has been locked in a legal battle with Owner Rob Cortis after portions of the building were found unfit for occupation. The business remains closed. Livingston County Circuit Court Judge David Reader and the township gave Cortis numerous chances to bring dangerous portions of the building up to fire code and into compliance with building safety standards. Earlier this year, the Judge enforced an order from a dangerous building official requiring Cortis to produce the financing, plans, and permits to bring the building into compliance. Judge Reader went on to grant summary disposition in favor of the township this past August, affirming the townshipâs ability to bring the facility up to code or demolish any unsafe portions, including tearing down the entire building. Just this past week, Judge Reader partially granted a motion filed by the township for sanctions and attorney fees. The Court awarded costs and fees for demolition but did not award attorney fees. Cortis still has the ability to appeal recent decisions in the case, although itâs unclear whether he intends to pursue that avenue or not. (JM)
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