Business
Contractors lose thousands on thrift store renovation
Posted: Feb 8, 2011 9:51 AM by David Ortiviz
Updated: Jun 14, 2012 5:14 PM
A Pueblo contractor is out of business after a local nonprofit apparently failed to pay its bills. As we told you last week, Colorado Green Services decided not to move into the old Toys 'R' Us building by the Pueblo Mall, after it was remodeled for them.
The large, empty commercial building on Pueblo's northside, was recently renovated to be used as a thrift store. However, those who did the work say they weren't fully paid. "My part is in the thousands, the general contractor's part is in the tens of thousands," said Roger Ward, with R&S Painting & Wall Covering.
The project included a storage room, dressing rooms and a fresh coat of painted. Greg Saccamano, the general contractor was hired in late last summer. "Who signed the contract?" asked News First 5. "David Skul," said Saccamano.
David Skul the former CEO was fired, after the board says he mis-used the non-profit's funds. Skul tells News First 5 those allegations are "unfounded and reckless". "I made decisions and took actions with the full knowledge and agreement of the board of directors and in accordance with the bylaws of the organization at the time," said Skul. "I will be taking all steps allowable under the law to set the record straight and recover monies and damages owed to me as a result of my tenure as President and CEO of the organization," he added.
Skul was let go in November, after the building was remodeled. Months later the contractors have been paid for only half their work.
Last week Doug Gradisar, the lawyer for Colorado Green Services told News First 5, the group decided not to move into the Toys 'R' Us building because of financial reasons. Instead, they stayed in the Belmont shopping center.
"This is my first experience having somebody say we changed our mind after it was done," said Sylvia Ward, with R&S Painting.
"I think they(Colorado Green Services) need to shoulder a lot of the blame," said Roger Ward.
The contractors put liens against this property, but the damage is already done.
"I've had to shut my doors because of this," said Saccamano.
Sgt. Mark Duran with the Pueblo Police Department says detectives are investigating David Skul and allegations of possible theft from Colorado Green Services.
As Seen On News 5
