Lawsuit over renovation of Massachusetts high school comes to trial
Sep 11, 2009 2:54 PM
From The Cape Cod Times: Jury selection has begun in a lawsuit over the problem-plagued renovation of Falmouth (Mass.) High School.
The original architectural firm on the renovation project is alleging
it was wrongfully terminated from the project and is suing the town for
$30 million in damages. Hisham Ashkouri, owner and principal architect
of
ARCADD Inc. in West Newton, contends Falmouth officials
breached their contract when ARCADD was fired
for alleged faulty designs on the $86 million high school renovation
project. ARCADD attorneys say Falmouth still owes
the firm roughly $400,000. The town has paid ARCADD $4 million for work
completed. The town's attorneys say Falmouth has filed a
counter-claim against the firm for $5 million, contending that the
architect created faulty
roof designs,
and failed to properly investigate for asbestos in the building, which
has led to delays and cost increases. The project was supposed to be
finished in December 2007, but because of delays and a
$19 million cost overruns, it isn't scheduled for completion until next
May.
