By: Molly Willms//June 26, 2013//
A Milwaukee County Circuit Court judge will decide by the end of week whether to sanction the owners of a dilapidated downtown parking garage, which could cost the company thousands of dollars.
Wednesday was the first hearing for the city of Milwaukee’s motion to sanction Texas-based TTOW Properties LLC with contempt charges after the company missed multiple deadlines set by city and court officials.
The parking garage at 601 W. Wells St., Milwaukee, has been characterized by city officials as a public safety hazard. After TTOW failed to comply with a raze order more than a year ago, city attorneys filed suit against the company in February.
At Wednesday’s motion hearing, attorneys for the defendant said the company has been trying to comply but has faced resistance from the city. The city is asking the company to sign a contract for demolition that meets the requirements of city razing and landscaping ordinances.
Attorneys for both parties said they want to see the structure demolished, but haven’t reached an agreement on the necessary minimum standards before entering a demolition contract.
The next motion hearing on the contempt charges will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday.