From Michigan
COMPANY FILES 'MECHANICAL' LIENS AGAINST 31 PROPERTIES
By Neal Simon,
The Evening Tribune, www.eveningtribune.com
February 28, 2012
Howard, N.Y. — More than 30 liens have been filed on properties in the Town of Howard that are connected to Howard Wind, LLC.
The “mechanical liens” were filed at the Steuben County Clerk’s office on Feb. 17 on behalf of SPE Utility Contractors, Port Huron, Mich.
Mechanical liens, which are in effect for one year from the date of filing, are often used by subcontractors after they finish a construction project. Some of the landowners hit with liens have multiple parcels.
In its court filing, SPE Utility Contractors says it contracted with with O’Connell Electric Co., Inc. to perform professional services, including excavation, backfill, and copper grounding and fiber optic cable installation, for the Howard Wind Farm Project. The company is claiming $1,617,474 in work was completed. SPE Utility said the work was performed between July 6, 2011 and Oct. 20, 2011. Liens were filed against 31 properties.
An official with Howard Wind, LLC said the liens are the result of a dispute between the contractor and a subcontractor, and the wind farm company has fullfilled all of its obligations and made full payment for all of the work that was done. The company said it has contacted landowners to apologize for the inconvenience.
David H. Jacobs, an attorney for SPE Utility, did not return a call seeking comment.