Expensive bills for non-existent work
Staten is not alone in his frustration. Another property owner, Tony Pitale, told First Alert 4 Investigates he is facing a $100,000 bill for a new roof and other work done to an old car repair shop he bought. He hoped to turn it into a work-share space for people to repair their cars.
After buying the building, Pitale found out the city funded repairs to the property before he purchased it. The bill included $10,500 for floor joists and a subfloor — despite the building having a concrete slab instead. Another charge was to repair and replace stairs that are also not present at the property.
“The city blindly paid for things that clearly don’t exist,” Pitale said.
Former city judge and attorney Robert Dierker called the liens “forced rehab.” He acknowledges that Missouri building codes allow the city to remediate code violations but questions whether the program oversteps its legal and constitutional authority.
“This is breaking new ground,” Dierker told First Alert 4.
A spokesperson for the mayor’s office said the properties targeted for repair were selected based on a committee’s assessment of various factors. The spokesperson also stated that contractors were selected based on a competitive bid process.
Invest in real estate without the headache of being a landlord
Imagine owning a portfolio of thousands of well-managed single family rentals or a collection of cutting-edge industrial warehouses. You can now gain access to a $1B portfolio of income-producing real estate assets designed to deliver long-term growth from the comforts of your couch.
The best part? You don’t have to be a millionaire and can start investing in minutes.
Learn MoreDemanding answers
When reporters from First Alert 4 Investigates reached out to city officials, they refused to provide an interview but sent a statement saying, “Local and state law authorizes abatement as a legitimate police power to secure the health and safety of citizens.”
Staten is hoping for a miracle. “Wait for the light to shine on it. And I thank you for now shining the light on the things they’re trying to do in the darkness,” he told First Alert 4 reporters.
Tony Pitale told reporters he just wants answers.
“Who’s auditing this? At least in the city? Don’t they want to know where this money is going? That seems like basic accountability,” Pitale said.
The FBI may now be involved in allegations of corruption. A city inspector allegedly linked to some of the contractors has resigned, and a second is on forced leave.
In a letter to the FBI, Mayor Tishaura Jones wrote that her office will “open any doors needed … to ensure that any wrongdoing is uncovered and violators are held accountable.”
This 2 minute move could knock $500/year off your car insurance in 2024
OfficialCarInsurance.com lets you compare quotes from trusted brands, such as Progressive, Allstate and GEICO to make sure you're getting the best deal.
You can switch to a more affordable auto insurance option in 2 minutes by providing some information about yourself and your vehicle and choosing from their tailor-made results. Find offers as low as $29 a month.
