By MICHAEL PETTY
Special to the PRESS
Gazing upon the beautiful building that became the Port Isabel Cultural Events Center, it is difficult to fathom that its creation could lead to an ugly, protracted legal battle stretching back years. The Port Isabel South Padre Press has been following this story since the suit was filed way back in 2015. As reported then, Colair, Inc. filed suit against the city of Port Isabel following their dismissal as the lead for the construction of the events center. Complaints have been lodged against both entities, making for one of the longest and most interesting legal cases in Port Isabel’s recent history.
This case has been making its way through the legal system for so long that the PRESS contacted city manager Jared Hockema to get his thoughts on the matter and asked for some clarification on the nature of these complaints. Hockema explained that Colair, Inc. was terminated from the project, and soon after, the company filed suit against the City of Port Isabel related to the termination. The city then filed a countersuit alleging faulty and incomplete construction and numerous contract violations. Hockema also pointed out that a significant portion of the countersuit could be attributed to unpaid subcontractors that Colair, Inc. failed to compensate after receiving their funds from the city. Attempts were made to contact Colair, Inc. to obtain their side of the story, but a representative could not be reached.
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