Cleveland Browns report breakthrough in deal for stadium repair, renovation project-NFL News
The repair and renovation work on Cleveland Browns’ stadium is expected to commence in near future as the management confirms the settlement of the case that had stemmed from the controversial landing of the deal to contractors and became an impediment to
the process.
Cleveland city officials said that the lowest bidder of the work has agreed to work jointly with the main contractor and this leaves the way paved for carrying out the work.
The firm called Suburban Maintenance and Construction had made the lowest offer for the work but it was passed by the city officials to award the deal to another party, which had a higher bid on the offer.
Consequently, Suburban Maintenance and Construction challenged the decision of Browns in the court of law on the alleged discrimination grounds.
A judge ruled that the company had a valid point to make and allowed the case to be proceeded for the regular trial. The planned work remained suspended due to the legal wrangling.
Later, the city officials confirmed that the Suburban Maintenance and Construction have agreed to work jointly on the project by waging a partnership with Platform Cement, the main contractors of the deal.
Under the agreement, the major chunk of the contract worth $5.8 million will be held by the Platform Cement, while Suburban Maintenance and Construction will carry out the restoration and repair work. Other terms of their deal have not been disclosed.
Now, the city officials hope for commencement of work in near future, and it may well be finished before the July deadline of Kenny Chesney’s concert, scheduled for July 29, 2012.
Since Browns lease the stadium, the prolong delay in the work could have cost them more expense, which now they hope to avoid successfully.
The work includes refurbishing of some seating facility and repair of damaged concrete structures. However, the stipulated time for finishing of the project has not been disclosed by the management or contractors.
Reports of the delay in start of the work had caused stir in Browns’ circles including players and fans. They feared that the stadium might not be ready in advance to the team’s training camp, before the start of the regular season in September 2012.
This could have been well true if the parties had not agreed to share the deal and let the case to be heard and proceeded in the court of law.
It could have been difficult for the team in absence of a timeline for the settlement of the case, and, as earlier pointed out, could have resulted in higher expenses.
Browns are now happy with the joint-venture arrangement that both contractors have agreed to, hoping that the work will commence well on time and finish within the stipulated deadline.
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