By ERIC TICHY
On second thought...
Former Warren Main Street President Julia Tarr rescinded her resignation Friday, taking back a post she left two weeks ago as the development group battles the City of Warren over debts associated with a downtown property.
Tarr was convinced to return to Main Street to lead efforts against the city, which is looking for almost $500,000 in back-payments for work done on the former GRO-Warren's Allegheny Center for the Arts anchor building. Main Street has laid claim to the Liberty Street property while its board of directors insist GRO-Warren is responsible for the incurred debt.
"I feel the Main Street organization needs my input on current matters and the fact that there is unfinished business to take care of as it pertains to the ACA buildings," Tarr said Friday night.
Eriez Construction which was contracted for $800,000 worth of work on the Liberty Street buildings is also seeking payments in the area of $315,000 for past-due work. The Erie-based company currently holds a mechanics lien on the property.
Dan Ristau, member of Main Street's board of directors, said Tarr's resignation was never accepted by the group and added that her return was crucial due to the continued dispute over the Liberty Street property.
"(Her return) came about after numerous conversations with me in which I insisted the organization needs her leadership at this critical point in dealing with the ACA buildings," Ristau said.
He added, "From our very first knowledge of ownership of these buildings, Julia has given a great deal of time in researching and understanding all the many issues and problems which brought the project to where it is today."
Ristau said he will take over as vice president for Main Street and plans to back up Tarr during Monday's Warren City Council meeting. Both are expected to address council regarding financial agreements that were made between GROWarren, Eriez Construction and the city.
"We are on the agenda ... and plan a detailed presentation which should enlighten many and expose those whom are fully culpable for the financial disaster which has brought this project to a complete standstill," Ristau said.