Monday, July 21. 2008
The Cleveland Town Hall/ Hilton Troubles
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Dear Fr. Myron,
It sounded as if the Hilton was undergoing renovation when it was selected as a site for the upcomming AAC in November? Is that correct?
Perhaps hindsight is 20/20, but was that wise for you and/or your committee to pick out a hotel that was undergoing renovation? You and your committee did not know of the difficulties it was going through?
The Hilton situation sounds like a mess. Were there not several red flags to stay away from such a hotel?
Patty Schellbach
It sounded as if the Hilton was undergoing renovation when it was selected as a site for the upcomming AAC in November? Is that correct?
Perhaps hindsight is 20/20, but was that wise for you and/or your committee to pick out a hotel that was undergoing renovation? You and your committee did not know of the difficulties it was going through?
The Hilton situation sounds like a mess. Were there not several red flags to stay away from such a hotel?
Patty Schellbach
#1
Patty Schellbach
on
2008-07-21 14:50
I must confess that this morning it crossed by mind that the hotel was chosen precisely because it was a mess. I mean, after all, if they can't hold an AAC because the hotel has problems, that's not their fault, right?
Melanie Jula Sakoda
Melanie Jula Sakoda
Dear Melanie,
The circumstances just surrounding the simple word of "renovation" should have raised some red flags. What type of inconveniences should any guests meet during "renovation?"
Have you seen the commercial of the couple who thought they picked out a great hotel in which they were staying at only to be met with the lovely noise of the jackhammer?
Will OCA delegates and observers meet the sound of a jackhammer? Meet plastic coverings on walls or ceilings? Hhave to avoid certain entrances and exits (which may be a liability in itself in case of fire)?, Not be able to eat there? Or breath easily because of construction dust? Construction dust can be a big big problem to those suffering from breathing problems, allergies, or asthma.
The term "renovation" in and of itself should have had the committee think twice of holding the AAC there.
The financial headaches that the Hilton is currently undergoing just seems to confirm that precaution.
Patty Schellbach
The circumstances just surrounding the simple word of "renovation" should have raised some red flags. What type of inconveniences should any guests meet during "renovation?"
Have you seen the commercial of the couple who thought they picked out a great hotel in which they were staying at only to be met with the lovely noise of the jackhammer?
Will OCA delegates and observers meet the sound of a jackhammer? Meet plastic coverings on walls or ceilings? Hhave to avoid certain entrances and exits (which may be a liability in itself in case of fire)?, Not be able to eat there? Or breath easily because of construction dust? Construction dust can be a big big problem to those suffering from breathing problems, allergies, or asthma.
The term "renovation" in and of itself should have had the committee think twice of holding the AAC there.
The financial headaches that the Hilton is currently undergoing just seems to confirm that precaution.
Patty Schellbach
#1.1.1
Patty Schellbach
on
2008-07-22 06:55
Go to St. Tikhon's and have it there.
#1.1.1.1
Jim
on
2008-07-31 08:42
Please Patty and Melanie,
Give it a rest. Hotels undergo renovations all the time. The renovations to rooms at the Hilton will be completed. Remember this is not some big Fr Bob Blowout event. It is a quick three-days in and out of Pittsburgh event.
Stop being a bunch of harpies on something that no one could have foreseen. The hotel is not one of the best in North America, but they got a good deal on room rate on very short notice, less than 18 months out from the event.
And Melanie, your conspiracy theory about EVERYTHING is getting rather tiresome. Give it a rest!
Give it a rest. Hotels undergo renovations all the time. The renovations to rooms at the Hilton will be completed. Remember this is not some big Fr Bob Blowout event. It is a quick three-days in and out of Pittsburgh event.
Stop being a bunch of harpies on something that no one could have foreseen. The hotel is not one of the best in North America, but they got a good deal on room rate on very short notice, less than 18 months out from the event.
And Melanie, your conspiracy theory about EVERYTHING is getting rather tiresome. Give it a rest!
#1.1.2
Monday Morning Quarterbacks Unite
on
2008-07-22 07:55
Dear "Monday Morning Quarterbacks Unite"
Problem is, this is not a football game where one analyzes the offensive and defensive plays.
This is about a hotel that sounds as if it has a couple of concurrent problems happening at once:
Renovation problems and financial problems.
This appears to be affecting the well-being and financial livelhood of what appears to be some non-paid employees as we speak. Where will the situation all be by November check-in time?
The word "renovation" sounded like a red flag to me.
Patty Schellbach
Problem is, this is not a football game where one analyzes the offensive and defensive plays.
This is about a hotel that sounds as if it has a couple of concurrent problems happening at once:
Renovation problems and financial problems.
This appears to be affecting the well-being and financial livelhood of what appears to be some non-paid employees as we speak. Where will the situation all be by November check-in time?
The word "renovation" sounded like a red flag to me.
Patty Schellbach
#1.1.2.1
Patty Schellbach
on
2008-07-22 11:48
Dear Sir: Hotels do NOT undergo this kind of renovation all the time. If you had read the news releases, you would have seen that the hotel is not only renovating rooms, it is redoing the facade of the building. Second, as one who suffers from asthma, I can assure you, my friend (and I use that word loosely), that "...a quick three-days in and out" can be anything but. Third, have some spine and sign your name.
Oh, btw, what if there's a union picket line at the hotel during the AAC?
Oh, btw, what if there's a union picket line at the hotel during the AAC?
#1.1.2.2
Michael Strelka
on
2008-07-22 12:43
Shall we speculate on every single solitary thing about this hotel in Pittsburgh? What if it burns down before the Council? What if, what if, what if?
The OCA signed a contract with the hotel. If the hotel breaks the contract, then we will have to find another location. Not easy, for sure. You may remember that the Pittsburgh Council in 99 was a second choice city after the hotel selected for the AAC in Detroit broke the contract with us.
Goodness, it is not the end of the world. It is just a hotel going through issues. It is July. The Council is in November. If the rooms and meeting spaces are in order then we go forward.
And yes, it is not a football game, but we all appear to be experts - Monday Morning Quarterbacks AFTER the deed is done. And what exactly do you offer instead Mr. Strelka? You have lots of "they should have this and they should have that" but what exactly in way of constructive input are you offering? And no, Antiochian Village could not handle a potential group of our size and to think that St Tikhon's could is fantasy.
The event will be held at the Hilton. It will not be the best hotel or the worst that the OCA has used for an AAC (remember the hotel in Detroit in 1980, dang they torn it down a few months after our event was over.)
Get a grip....
The OCA signed a contract with the hotel. If the hotel breaks the contract, then we will have to find another location. Not easy, for sure. You may remember that the Pittsburgh Council in 99 was a second choice city after the hotel selected for the AAC in Detroit broke the contract with us.
Goodness, it is not the end of the world. It is just a hotel going through issues. It is July. The Council is in November. If the rooms and meeting spaces are in order then we go forward.
And yes, it is not a football game, but we all appear to be experts - Monday Morning Quarterbacks AFTER the deed is done. And what exactly do you offer instead Mr. Strelka? You have lots of "they should have this and they should have that" but what exactly in way of constructive input are you offering? And no, Antiochian Village could not handle a potential group of our size and to think that St Tikhon's could is fantasy.
The event will be held at the Hilton. It will not be the best hotel or the worst that the OCA has used for an AAC (remember the hotel in Detroit in 1980, dang they torn it down a few months after our event was over.)
Get a grip....
#1.1.2.2.1
Anonymous
on
2008-07-22 15:21
"And what exactly do you offer instead Mr. Strelka?"
I'm not offering anything. At this late stage we have to accept what we have. It would seem that the choice of hotels was a poor one, but see my email further down: there are many factors that go into site selection. But just for you, Mr. Anonymous, this weekend I'll find out what went into that decision.
I should also add that I'm strongly considering changing hotel reservations.
I'm not offering anything. At this late stage we have to accept what we have. It would seem that the choice of hotels was a poor one, but see my email further down: there are many factors that go into site selection. But just for you, Mr. Anonymous, this weekend I'll find out what went into that decision.
I should also add that I'm strongly considering changing hotel reservations.
#1.1.2.2.1.1
Michael Strelka
on
2008-07-23 06:53
Mike,
I would suggest that EVERYONE going to the AAC not stay at the Hilton if Herman is not retired by then. That would be the best use of our hard-earned money and that of our parishes.
If Herman retires. go to the AAC and stay at the Hilton. If not, go to the AAC and stay anywhere BUT the Hilton.
The financial hit to the OCA will speak volumes as our protest.
I would suggest that EVERYONE going to the AAC not stay at the Hilton if Herman is not retired by then. That would be the best use of our hard-earned money and that of our parishes.
If Herman retires. go to the AAC and stay at the Hilton. If not, go to the AAC and stay anywhere BUT the Hilton.
The financial hit to the OCA will speak volumes as our protest.
#1.1.2.2.1.1.1
A Former PCC Member
on
2008-07-23 12:35
How about you resign from making these comments? Your suggestion is one of the most stupid things I have heard in a long time pal! We are ONE church, why are you looking to divide it? What good would really come out of it? I for one do not agree with everything the central church has done, but on the other hand I will be staying at the Hilton under one roof with the rest of my brother and sisters in Christ. Remember God knows all and what you are doing is just as bad as stealing for the collection plate, trying to protest. Shame on you and everyone else trying to do this. If I recall it was alot of you people here that pushed for a ACC this year and you got it and now you all are condeming it for one reason or another...pathetic! Maybe it would be better to have the negative people stay at another hotel afterall what money loss is it for the OCA? We do not own the Hilton. I am sure you .... can come with something better then staying at another hotel...better yet stay home!
Action Jackson
Action Jackson
#1.1.2.2.1.1.1.1
Jackson
on
2008-07-24 06:21
I've been reading Ms. Sakoda's writings for some time now, here and elesewhere. I think you owe her a public apology and probably P.S. too. To call her (them) harpies is insulting, unchristian and unworthy of you or the care these good women show in their concern for the welfare of our Church and our children and people.
UNWORTHY!
UNWORTHY!
#1.1.2.3
no name
on
2008-07-22 17:06
I agree. Melanie has paid her dues in spades. Ask her about her protests over the Holy Trinity molestations at the AAC in Chicago years ago... when practically the whole Church was trying to ignore her and Cappy Larson. That was a clearly a case of Theodosius, the "Holy" Synod, RSK and Syosset persecuting the innocent victims. Ask her to tell her story.
BTW. Fr. Myron knows how to pick venues folks. He has been doing it for years. This was not a mistake IMHO.
BTW. Fr. Myron knows how to pick venues folks. He has been doing it for years. This was not a mistake IMHO.
#1.1.2.3.1
Anon.
on
2008-07-23 15:45
Glory to IC XC!
Dear Anon et al,
So, Fr. Myron Manzuk picked the hotel in the hope and expectation that there would be financial troubles that would preclude the convening of the NAC/AAC? You don't say!
Let's not get all worked up in some conspritorial mindset here. Fr. Myron is no flake who would deliberately do as you intimate.
Just because someone is working for the OCA's central administration, doesn't mean that he is a soulless shill for the dark powers-that-be or any such thing.
in XC,
Rev. Bartholomew Wojcik
St. Nicholas Mission Church
Pella, IA
Dear Anon et al,
So, Fr. Myron Manzuk picked the hotel in the hope and expectation that there would be financial troubles that would preclude the convening of the NAC/AAC? You don't say!
Let's not get all worked up in some conspritorial mindset here. Fr. Myron is no flake who would deliberately do as you intimate.
Just because someone is working for the OCA's central administration, doesn't mean that he is a soulless shill for the dark powers-that-be or any such thing.
in XC,
Rev. Bartholomew Wojcik
St. Nicholas Mission Church
Pella, IA
#1.1.2.3.1.1
Rev. Bartholomew Wojcik
on
2008-07-23 19:41
Dear Anon,
If you think Fr Myron picked any of the previous AAC venues, besides the latest venue, then you really are living in a dream world. RSK picked every single venue since Philadelphia in 1983. Fr Myron is a wonderful man but he never made any serious decision about any AAC until this one.
If you think Fr Myron picked any of the previous AAC venues, besides the latest venue, then you really are living in a dream world. RSK picked every single venue since Philadelphia in 1983. Fr Myron is a wonderful man but he never made any serious decision about any AAC until this one.
#1.1.2.3.1.2
Anonymous
on
2008-07-24 05:20
Interesting. Lots of defense of Fr. Myron. But, my main point was that Melanie Sakoda has paid her dues. Would be nice to start hearing more defense of the innocents. Fr. Myron can speak for himself.
#1.1.2.3.1.2.1
Anon.
on
2008-07-24 18:15
Yup
#1.1.2.4
Jim
on
2008-07-31 08:44
It is very interesting tha the bishops present did not have any answers. The truth is, they have been lied to by Herman, Kucynda and Garklavs. If the truth was solid, where is it?
It is certainly time for truth - black and white truth! Blame is easy, it's easier to ask for forgiveness that it is for permission. Herman and Kucynda hired PR for a large amount of money - without permission to use the church funds - now we had no permission and no forgiveness - what a sham!
It is certainly time for truth - black and white truth! Blame is easy, it's easier to ask for forgiveness that it is for permission. Herman and Kucynda hired PR for a large amount of money - without permission to use the church funds - now we had no permission and no forgiveness - what a sham!
#2
MP
on
2008-07-21 15:13
Dear MP,
It sounds like you played a lot of cops and robbers as a kid. Your simple syrup reduction of everything to black and white is frankly naive and overly simplistic. Fr. Garklavs? What exactly did he do to deserve your criticism? He's a priest who is doing everything in his power to come into an unbelievably difficult situation and try and make a difference.
Proskauer Rose is another shining example of your rather misplaced conviction of the evildoers. Proskauer Rose was grossly expensive, hired improperly, and unfortunately never produced any sort of final document. However, the OCA still retains its not for profit number, has cooperated with the FBI, and probably has the most comprehensive understanding of all that has transpired.
I'm not a shill for either Fr. Alexander or Proskauer Rose, I'm just another concern Orthodox Christian looking for some answers. However, I'm also not so naive to think that all of this wraps up quickly and easily. Brother we have a long, long, way to go and some that appear to be villains in all of this are in fact heros, and some that appear to be heros are in fact villains.
It sounds like you played a lot of cops and robbers as a kid. Your simple syrup reduction of everything to black and white is frankly naive and overly simplistic. Fr. Garklavs? What exactly did he do to deserve your criticism? He's a priest who is doing everything in his power to come into an unbelievably difficult situation and try and make a difference.
Proskauer Rose is another shining example of your rather misplaced conviction of the evildoers. Proskauer Rose was grossly expensive, hired improperly, and unfortunately never produced any sort of final document. However, the OCA still retains its not for profit number, has cooperated with the FBI, and probably has the most comprehensive understanding of all that has transpired.
I'm not a shill for either Fr. Alexander or Proskauer Rose, I'm just another concern Orthodox Christian looking for some answers. However, I'm also not so naive to think that all of this wraps up quickly and easily. Brother we have a long, long, way to go and some that appear to be villains in all of this are in fact heros, and some that appear to be heros are in fact villains.
#2.1
Anon
on
2008-07-21 20:37
Just for curiousity's sake, I searched around for information about the Pittsburg Hilton and its parent company.
The Pittsburg Hilton is owned by Shubh Hotels which has also been in the news in Detroit.
See http://www.tv20detroit.com/news/25703354.html
"Bruce Sucher, an attorney for the Shubh Hotel Detroit L.L.C., said facility renovations forced the company to delay paying some bills." while at the same time donating to Kilpatrick's legal defense fund.
Here's some information about the parent company and its founder.
http://archmillennium.com/
The Pittsburg Hilton is owned by Shubh Hotels which has also been in the news in Detroit.
See http://www.tv20detroit.com/news/25703354.html
"Bruce Sucher, an attorney for the Shubh Hotel Detroit L.L.C., said facility renovations forced the company to delay paying some bills." while at the same time donating to Kilpatrick's legal defense fund.
Here's some information about the parent company and its founder.
http://archmillennium.com/
#3
Christopher Eager
on
2008-07-22 00:09
I have been in the construction business for 35 years. This situation has trouble written all over it. My only hope is that we have not given a large down payment. My advice - postpone - in the event that another venue cannot be found. DO NOT throw any more money at this until hard answers are given. All statements given by the GM are nothing more than corporate-speak which can later be prefaced with "The Hotel regrets to inform you that we are unable to meet your needs . . . "
#4
James Perfield
on
2008-07-22 03:47
People don't remember, but the SOBOR's of the Metropolia were always held at different churches. Churches with big halls to accommodate everyone. Attendees stayed at peoples homes or local motels. Most people drove in and didn't fly.
The AAC could have been held at the Antiochian Village or a myriad of reasonable low-cost convention centers which would go out of their way for the business. The Pitts. Hilton really sounds like a potential mess and contingency plans should be made NOW!
The AAC could have been held at the Antiochian Village or a myriad of reasonable low-cost convention centers which would go out of their way for the business. The Pitts. Hilton really sounds like a potential mess and contingency plans should be made NOW!
#5
Anonymous
on
2008-07-22 05:52
"The AAC could have been held at the Antiochian Village" (or St Tikhon's, as another writer suggested)
Even the Antiochians don't have their conventions there. The Village web site states that it accomodates meetings for up to 400 persons (and only 100 guest rooms). AAC's that I have been to have had 1000+ people.
Having helped plan a national event a couple of years ago, I can tell you that there a number of considerations that go into choosing a site, only one of which is cost. There might be a myriad of convention centers, but try getting to them by plane at a reasonable cost.
Even the Antiochians don't have their conventions there. The Village web site states that it accomodates meetings for up to 400 persons (and only 100 guest rooms). AAC's that I have been to have had 1000+ people.
Having helped plan a national event a couple of years ago, I can tell you that there a number of considerations that go into choosing a site, only one of which is cost. There might be a myriad of convention centers, but try getting to them by plane at a reasonable cost.
#5.1
Michael Strelka
on
2008-07-22 13:28
Michael:
There's no need for 1,000+ people to attend this SOBOR. All clergy & parish reps AND all the meetings should be professionally video taped for posterity and shown LIVE on public access. Ancient Faith Radio should be there for LIVE broadcast and taping. So you see, the Hilton isn't necessary. A large convention floor (auditorium) will do. And why is this being held in NOVEMBER when most people can't attend?
There's no need for 1,000+ people to attend this SOBOR. All clergy & parish reps AND all the meetings should be professionally video taped for posterity and shown LIVE on public access. Ancient Faith Radio should be there for LIVE broadcast and taping. So you see, the Hilton isn't necessary. A large convention floor (auditorium) will do. And why is this being held in NOVEMBER when most people can't attend?
#5.1.1
Anonymous
on
2008-07-23 06:18
More detailed report to an industry readership:
Shubh Hotels Intends to Complete $25 million Renovation of the 713-room Pittsburgh Hilton Hotel;
Some Problems Surface with Delinquent Hotel/motel Taxes and Filing of Mechanic's Liens By Ron DaParma, The Pittsburgh Tribune-ReviewMcClatchy-Tribune Regional News
July 19, 2008 --The owner of the Pittsburgh Hilton Hotel owes Allegheny County about $100,000 in delinquent hotel/motel taxes and late fees, and faces liens and lawsuits from contractors and others seeking tens of thousands of dollars more, according to local officials and public records.
However, officials of Shubh Hotels of Florida vowed Friday that they will pay their debts and complete the $25 million renovation of the 713-room hotel at Gateway Center.
"We've already spent millions of dollars on the renovation and cash flow is obviously tight," said Tim Zugger, general manager of the city's largest hotel. "But there will be a strong future for the Pittsburgh Hilton Hotel in Pittsburgh."
"We plan to make it a great hotel. It's in a great location and we know the business is there, but we just need to get caught up and we are doing what needs to be done," added Harris Mathis, chief operating officer of the Boca Raton, Fla.-based company.
"They owe approximately $70,000 in hotel/motel taxes for March of 2008, and they also owe us penalty and interest from the months their payments have been consistently late," Allegheny County Treasurer John Weinstein said yesterday.
The late charges date to December and total about $25,000, according to Weinstein, who said the county Controller's Office is conducting an audit to confirm the exact amount owed.
"They are well aware of the delinquencies they owe, because we've communicated that to them," he said. "However, they are current on the real estate taxes."
In addition to the county delinquency, documents filed with the county Prothonotary's Office show contractors and others have filed liens and lawsuits against the company over alleged delinquent payments.
Those include a mechanic's lien in the amount of more than $294,377 filed by Youngstown Design Co. PC, the Youngstown, Ohio-based architect for the project, and Cuddy Roofing Co. Inc. of Thornburg for $9,979, plus interest and penalties, for roof repair work from September through December.
Records show Shubh settled a $62,386 mechanic's lien filed by Atlas Wholesale Supply Inc. of Carnegie for construction materials.
Mathis said Shubh intends to make the taxes a top priority and hopes to make good on its other debts, including Youngstown Design, which he said continues to work with Shubh in Pittsburgh and on other hotel projects elsewhere.
Officials of Youngstown Design could not be reached for comment.
Shubh made good on a pledge yesterday to pay its 250 hotel and restaurant employees their regular wages.
The payment avoided a possible work stoppage by Unite Here, the union representing the workers. The union on Thursday expressed concern that the payments would not be made.
"Our workers were paid today, and they reported for work and they will continue to report for work," Sam Williamson, Western Pennsylvania director for the union's Pennsylvania Joint Board, said yesterday. "It looks like a potential crisis has been averted for the foreseeable future."
Mathis acknowledged the company has had problems paying its bills, some of which he attributed to unexpected cost increases.
A union official said that resulted in periodic work stoppages by various contractors, but he said Shubh agreed to a payment plan and the workers had returned to work.
Shubh has completed a major portion of the hotel's interior, including renovation of about 640 of the 713 guest rooms and bathrooms, installation of a new heating, air conditioning and ventilation system and replacement of all of the hotel's windows. Officials hope to have the rest of the rooms completed within about five weeks.
However, a major addition along Commonwealth Place probably won't be completed until spring instead of the end of this year as planned, Mathis said.
Contractor P.J. Dick Co. recently withdrew its workers from the site, but Mathis said that occurred because design changes delayed Shubh from ordering steel for the project. The steel had to be fabricated to adhere to the design changes, he said.
Shubh hopes to have sufficient funds in place to resume work by the end of the month. P.J. Dick declined to comment yesterday.
The addition is to include an indoor glass-enclosed swimming pool built on the top floor of a 17,000-square-foot addition facing Point State Park. It would connect into the fourth-floor guest room level where a health club will be located. The wing is to provide additional meeting and banquet space on the lower two levels.
-----
To see more of The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/.
Copyright (c) 2008, The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.
Shubh Hotels Intends to Complete $25 million Renovation of the 713-room Pittsburgh Hilton Hotel;
Some Problems Surface with Delinquent Hotel/motel Taxes and Filing of Mechanic's Liens By Ron DaParma, The Pittsburgh Tribune-ReviewMcClatchy-Tribune Regional News
July 19, 2008 --The owner of the Pittsburgh Hilton Hotel owes Allegheny County about $100,000 in delinquent hotel/motel taxes and late fees, and faces liens and lawsuits from contractors and others seeking tens of thousands of dollars more, according to local officials and public records.
However, officials of Shubh Hotels of Florida vowed Friday that they will pay their debts and complete the $25 million renovation of the 713-room hotel at Gateway Center.
"We've already spent millions of dollars on the renovation and cash flow is obviously tight," said Tim Zugger, general manager of the city's largest hotel. "But there will be a strong future for the Pittsburgh Hilton Hotel in Pittsburgh."
"We plan to make it a great hotel. It's in a great location and we know the business is there, but we just need to get caught up and we are doing what needs to be done," added Harris Mathis, chief operating officer of the Boca Raton, Fla.-based company.
"They owe approximately $70,000 in hotel/motel taxes for March of 2008, and they also owe us penalty and interest from the months their payments have been consistently late," Allegheny County Treasurer John Weinstein said yesterday.
The late charges date to December and total about $25,000, according to Weinstein, who said the county Controller's Office is conducting an audit to confirm the exact amount owed.
"They are well aware of the delinquencies they owe, because we've communicated that to them," he said. "However, they are current on the real estate taxes."
In addition to the county delinquency, documents filed with the county Prothonotary's Office show contractors and others have filed liens and lawsuits against the company over alleged delinquent payments.
Those include a mechanic's lien in the amount of more than $294,377 filed by Youngstown Design Co. PC, the Youngstown, Ohio-based architect for the project, and Cuddy Roofing Co. Inc. of Thornburg for $9,979, plus interest and penalties, for roof repair work from September through December.
Records show Shubh settled a $62,386 mechanic's lien filed by Atlas Wholesale Supply Inc. of Carnegie for construction materials.
Mathis said Shubh intends to make the taxes a top priority and hopes to make good on its other debts, including Youngstown Design, which he said continues to work with Shubh in Pittsburgh and on other hotel projects elsewhere.
Officials of Youngstown Design could not be reached for comment.
Shubh made good on a pledge yesterday to pay its 250 hotel and restaurant employees their regular wages.
The payment avoided a possible work stoppage by Unite Here, the union representing the workers. The union on Thursday expressed concern that the payments would not be made.
"Our workers were paid today, and they reported for work and they will continue to report for work," Sam Williamson, Western Pennsylvania director for the union's Pennsylvania Joint Board, said yesterday. "It looks like a potential crisis has been averted for the foreseeable future."
Mathis acknowledged the company has had problems paying its bills, some of which he attributed to unexpected cost increases.
A union official said that resulted in periodic work stoppages by various contractors, but he said Shubh agreed to a payment plan and the workers had returned to work.
Shubh has completed a major portion of the hotel's interior, including renovation of about 640 of the 713 guest rooms and bathrooms, installation of a new heating, air conditioning and ventilation system and replacement of all of the hotel's windows. Officials hope to have the rest of the rooms completed within about five weeks.
However, a major addition along Commonwealth Place probably won't be completed until spring instead of the end of this year as planned, Mathis said.
Contractor P.J. Dick Co. recently withdrew its workers from the site, but Mathis said that occurred because design changes delayed Shubh from ordering steel for the project. The steel had to be fabricated to adhere to the design changes, he said.
Shubh hopes to have sufficient funds in place to resume work by the end of the month. P.J. Dick declined to comment yesterday.
The addition is to include an indoor glass-enclosed swimming pool built on the top floor of a 17,000-square-foot addition facing Point State Park. It would connect into the fourth-floor guest room level where a health club will be located. The wing is to provide additional meeting and banquet space on the lower two levels.
-----
To see more of The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/.
Copyright (c) 2008, The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.
#6
cate
on
2008-07-22 05:53
It could happen that "Steel City" might have a shortage of steel. As I understand it, worldwide demand for steel has just exploded (though it may be cooling off just about now). If you look at the stock price for "Steel" (or symbol "X"), it went from about 33 1/2 in October '05 to 196 in June '08 (it is now down some from that high).
It is entirely possible for a backlog of orders to exist that would hinder the delivery of steel.
On the other hand, for workers not to get paid is a bad thing. Our Roman Catholic friends are not far off the mark when they call it a sin that cries out from the ground.
(Editor's note: An earlier posting contains an article from the Post -Gazette explaining the steel situation. )
It is entirely possible for a backlog of orders to exist that would hinder the delivery of steel.
On the other hand, for workers not to get paid is a bad thing. Our Roman Catholic friends are not far off the mark when they call it a sin that cries out from the ground.
(Editor's note: An earlier posting contains an article from the Post -Gazette explaining the steel situation. )
#7
Ed Unneland
on
2008-07-22 08:33
You said: "Brother we have a long, long, way to go and some that appear to be villains in all of this are in fact heros, and some that appear to be heros are in fact villains."
Before we are misled any further, could you please tell us who
the real heros are and who the real villains are? Is the obvious wrong??? Help us since you seem to know something we don't!
Before we are misled any further, could you please tell us who
the real heros are and who the real villains are? Is the obvious wrong??? Help us since you seem to know something we don't!
#8
Curious
on
2008-07-22 08:54
Dear Curious:
It just may be that Anon #2.1 doesn't actually know; his point is that in such messy situations appearances can be deceiving, especially with huge gaps in our knowledge, and perhaps we should suspend judgment.
It just may be that Anon #2.1 doesn't actually know; his point is that in such messy situations appearances can be deceiving, especially with huge gaps in our knowledge, and perhaps we should suspend judgment.
#8.1
Terry C. Peet
on
2008-07-22 12:44
There are many people who appear to be or have been both heros and villains in all of this. Dn. Eric Wheeler? The whistleblower was also the same person who was treasurer and allowed much of this to go on for a very long time. Fr. Paul Kucynda? He was the treasuer who appeared to fall asleep at the wheel yet he was also the person who helped to get the loan that bailed the OCA out and helped to choose the law firm that headed the investigation which ultimately resulted in the removal of Kondratick. The former priest Kondratick? He did a tremendous amount of good, kind things and was clearly the central figure throughout much of the Theodosius era. Like him or not he practically single-handedly ran the central administration and did a lot of very positive things for the OCA. His financial mistakes though may be the complete disintegration of the OCA. Metropolitan Theodosius? He was the leader of the OCA for many years and perceived to be a very positive influence on Orthodoxy in America. He was also clearly completely out of the financial loop and allowed millions to be looted.
I could go on and on. The point is simply this: the problems in the OCA are many. They weren't caused by just one person and on a human level they aren't going to be fixed by one person. No single SIC report is going to turn back the past. In real life things don't always add up the way we would like and as I read through the many posts on this website it appears that there are quite a number of people that expecting that: (a) some day we will all know what happened (sorry, it isn't going to happen), (b) the perpetrators are going to go to jail and/or pay restitution, (sorry, this is probably not going to happen either), and (c) someday, when Metropolitan Herman steps down we will be a happy family again (sorry, but just like "Gone with the wind" Tara is no more). The reality is that none of the members of the Holy Synod have the experience or charisma to be great leaders. We have what we have and we must learn to make the best of it.
I could go on and on. The point is simply this: the problems in the OCA are many. They weren't caused by just one person and on a human level they aren't going to be fixed by one person. No single SIC report is going to turn back the past. In real life things don't always add up the way we would like and as I read through the many posts on this website it appears that there are quite a number of people that expecting that: (a) some day we will all know what happened (sorry, it isn't going to happen), (b) the perpetrators are going to go to jail and/or pay restitution, (sorry, this is probably not going to happen either), and (c) someday, when Metropolitan Herman steps down we will be a happy family again (sorry, but just like "Gone with the wind" Tara is no more). The reality is that none of the members of the Holy Synod have the experience or charisma to be great leaders. We have what we have and we must learn to make the best of it.
#8.2
Anonymous
on
2008-07-22 13:24
Thank you so much for your excellent reply to my inquiry. I sadly have to agree with alot of what you say. I still have some thoughts and maybe they’re out of line but here goes. How long was Dn. Eric Wheeler treasurer before he woke up to the situation occurring at the main office? Fr. Paul Kucynda, I think, was treasurer for an awful long time to be asleep at the wheel. I know he worked very hard to bail out the sinking ship with that loan but didn’t he exaggerate quite a bit to get it? Maybe I’m wrong thinking that but it put a huge burden on a few people. If he chose the law firm that headed the investigation, did he hire them on behalf of the people of the OCA? And if he did, why don’t we know anything that came out of the investigation?
I’m not trying to be mean with these questions but they are floating around and many of us tend to believe the worse (human nature!?!) in people and situations. I would like to change my opinion and be more open minded in this scandal but it is very hard to separate all the facts from fiction (lies).
I agree that Kondratick was a tremendous person. You had to believe he was doing the best things for the church. His vitality and sincere handshakes and smiles could make you believe anything. How sad that he was overwhelmed by the power and finances that fell in his lap and he succumbed to their allure. I cannot call them his financial mistakes. This is a failing common in people in positions of that kind (human nature!?!) and is called thievery which is a sin. I also feel that Metropolitan Theodosius “allowed millions to be looted.” I loved the word you used there because, regardless of how we feel about these people involved, looting is exactly what had happened here and that is a sin.
I just read a book by Frank Peretti and he says about sin:
“It can stalk us, bite a slice out of our lives, return again and bite again, and even as we bleed and hobble, we prefer to believe nothing has happened. That makes sin the perfect monster, a man-eater that blinds and numbs its victims, convincing them that nothing is wrong and there is no need to flee, and then consumes them at its leisure. We’ve all been assailed by this beast, sometimes face-to-face, but all too often from a direction we aren’t prepared to defend, and it’s only in recognizing the beast for what it is that we can hope to escape at all.” He continues: “As the rest of us just kept on praising the Lord, loving one another, smiling, and trying not to be judgmental, some really good people walked stupidly, blindly into the jaws of sin. The tooth marks still show today, in ruined marriages and soiled ministries. The rest of us should have said something.” This quote is in the introduction of his book.
You may be right when you said: “(a) some day we will all know what happened (sorry, it isn't going to happen), (b) the perpetrators are going to go to jail and/or pay restitution, (sorry, this is probably not going to happen either), and (c) someday, when Metropolitan Herman steps down we will be a happy family again (sorry, but just like "Gone with the wind" Tara is no more).” And you are also correct saying that the present members of the Holy Synod will never be great leaders but perhaps this can be corrected in the future by using a better method of selecting them.
I guess what I am trying to say is that I have a wish that if we sweep the house, we may be able to fill it with hope and trust again. I pray to God that somehow we can recapture the love and faith we once grew up with in the OCA. I have been a member of my church for over 70 years and it is with a heavy heart that I recall when the Holy Spirit in truth dwelled in our OCA. Regardless of what some say, it is not present in our church today because there are so many saddened souls looking for answers and comfort. It is also very sad that so many have decided to find that comfort and love and trust elsewhere.
Sorry for my ramblings and may God help us all through this, the victims, the heros and also the villians.
I’m not trying to be mean with these questions but they are floating around and many of us tend to believe the worse (human nature!?!) in people and situations. I would like to change my opinion and be more open minded in this scandal but it is very hard to separate all the facts from fiction (lies).
I agree that Kondratick was a tremendous person. You had to believe he was doing the best things for the church. His vitality and sincere handshakes and smiles could make you believe anything. How sad that he was overwhelmed by the power and finances that fell in his lap and he succumbed to their allure. I cannot call them his financial mistakes. This is a failing common in people in positions of that kind (human nature!?!) and is called thievery which is a sin. I also feel that Metropolitan Theodosius “allowed millions to be looted.” I loved the word you used there because, regardless of how we feel about these people involved, looting is exactly what had happened here and that is a sin.
I just read a book by Frank Peretti and he says about sin:
“It can stalk us, bite a slice out of our lives, return again and bite again, and even as we bleed and hobble, we prefer to believe nothing has happened. That makes sin the perfect monster, a man-eater that blinds and numbs its victims, convincing them that nothing is wrong and there is no need to flee, and then consumes them at its leisure. We’ve all been assailed by this beast, sometimes face-to-face, but all too often from a direction we aren’t prepared to defend, and it’s only in recognizing the beast for what it is that we can hope to escape at all.” He continues: “As the rest of us just kept on praising the Lord, loving one another, smiling, and trying not to be judgmental, some really good people walked stupidly, blindly into the jaws of sin. The tooth marks still show today, in ruined marriages and soiled ministries. The rest of us should have said something.” This quote is in the introduction of his book.
You may be right when you said: “(a) some day we will all know what happened (sorry, it isn't going to happen), (b) the perpetrators are going to go to jail and/or pay restitution, (sorry, this is probably not going to happen either), and (c) someday, when Metropolitan Herman steps down we will be a happy family again (sorry, but just like "Gone with the wind" Tara is no more).” And you are also correct saying that the present members of the Holy Synod will never be great leaders but perhaps this can be corrected in the future by using a better method of selecting them.
I guess what I am trying to say is that I have a wish that if we sweep the house, we may be able to fill it with hope and trust again. I pray to God that somehow we can recapture the love and faith we once grew up with in the OCA. I have been a member of my church for over 70 years and it is with a heavy heart that I recall when the Holy Spirit in truth dwelled in our OCA. Regardless of what some say, it is not present in our church today because there are so many saddened souls looking for answers and comfort. It is also very sad that so many have decided to find that comfort and love and trust elsewhere.
Sorry for my ramblings and may God help us all through this, the victims, the heros and also the villians.
#8.2.1
Curious
on
2008-07-23 09:57
Curious,
I'm curious as to why one such as Frank Peretti, an evangelical Protestant writer of religious fiction and a panderer of religious fictions, should be quoted in any authoritative matter about the nature of sin. He obviously doesn't know what he is talking about.
Sin is not some sort of entity that stalks us from the outside.
"Evil and sin set out from our own disposition" - St. Basil the Great
.....
I'm curious as to why one such as Frank Peretti, an evangelical Protestant writer of religious fiction and a panderer of religious fictions, should be quoted in any authoritative matter about the nature of sin. He obviously doesn't know what he is talking about.
Sin is not some sort of entity that stalks us from the outside.
"Evil and sin set out from our own disposition" - St. Basil the Great
.....
#8.2.1.1
Anonymous
on
2008-07-25 16:35
Instead of worrying about the finances of the Hilton, shouldn't we do so about the church?
It's ironic to me that any priest or bishop would "examine" the financial health of a hotel before any report or answers?
I mean - come on people!
It's ironic to me that any priest or bishop would "examine" the financial health of a hotel before any report or answers?
I mean - come on people!
#9
Anonymous
on
2008-07-22 14:53
Let me get this straight.
We are going to assemble to discuss a financial crisis and bad managment in a hotel that is having a financial crisis brought about by bad management?
THE OCA! YA GOTTA LOVE IT!
We are going to assemble to discuss a financial crisis and bad managment in a hotel that is having a financial crisis brought about by bad management?
THE OCA! YA GOTTA LOVE IT!
#10
no name
on
2008-07-22 17:11
No Name,
Your attempt at humor is no more insightful then your perfect hindsight.
Your attempt at humor is no more insightful then your perfect hindsight.
#10.1
Not Laughing
on
2008-07-23 09:12
I must admit no name, that I was having the same exact thoughts.
Perhaps if there is a shortage of hotel help, the bishops of the OCA can fill in and will have an opportunity to truly become servants of the servants of God.
This way, anyone who is not "re-elected" (as if they would ever allow such action) will have a genuine work experience to put on their resume.
I must laugh or I will certainly cry. Alas, I cannot cry anymore, for I am all out of tears.
Perhaps if there is a shortage of hotel help, the bishops of the OCA can fill in and will have an opportunity to truly become servants of the servants of God.
This way, anyone who is not "re-elected" (as if they would ever allow such action) will have a genuine work experience to put on their resume.
I must laugh or I will certainly cry. Alas, I cannot cry anymore, for I am all out of tears.
#10.2
Peter D. Vranich
on
2008-07-24 18:47
Dear Mr. Vranich!
Bravo!
Diakonia at its best. You have managed to bring the bishops back to the essence of their office, service! Let us see if they will abandon the love of brocade for love of others, we will see.
Yours is a purely Christian idea, you offer them another last chance. I still say, fire um all!
The question is no longer-"these allegations, true or false" it has become; "these bishops are they true or false"
Well done my friend, well done!
No Name
Bravo!
Diakonia at its best. You have managed to bring the bishops back to the essence of their office, service! Let us see if they will abandon the love of brocade for love of others, we will see.
Yours is a purely Christian idea, you offer them another last chance. I still say, fire um all!
The question is no longer-"these allegations, true or false" it has become; "these bishops are they true or false"
Well done my friend, well done!
No Name
#10.2.1
no name
on
2008-07-25 09:37
Dear Not Laughing:
I am indeed mortified, nay, grieved, that my humor has failed to entertain you, the point remains.
Every one of us, must take every opportunity to barrage SYOSSET-OYSTER BAY on every point of every issue. Let up for one minute, and the SOB bandwagon will run us over, issues will die and it will be business as usual. I suggest you limit your remarks to the administration, unless of course, you are one of a rapidly disappearing breed-THE SYOSSET SUPPORTER.
The choice of this hotel raises additional questions about the current leadership of this OCA.The OCA is not a healthy place.
We need change we can believe in, not more hierarchal liturgies, their dry sermons, or their stale thinking.
With Love in Holy Orthodoy,
Analocularus
I am indeed mortified, nay, grieved, that my humor has failed to entertain you, the point remains.
Every one of us, must take every opportunity to barrage SYOSSET-OYSTER BAY on every point of every issue. Let up for one minute, and the SOB bandwagon will run us over, issues will die and it will be business as usual. I suggest you limit your remarks to the administration, unless of course, you are one of a rapidly disappearing breed-THE SYOSSET SUPPORTER.
The choice of this hotel raises additional questions about the current leadership of this OCA.The OCA is not a healthy place.
We need change we can believe in, not more hierarchal liturgies, their dry sermons, or their stale thinking.
With Love in Holy Orthodoy,
Analocularus
#11
no name
on
2008-07-24 04:10
....Listen, these are the guys who preach to us that the answer to everything is Christ and what is written in the Gospel, yet when they come to a major moral crisis they have no idea to handle it? Because its something they've never faced before? They've never faced people that lie, cheat, and steal? They have no idea how to handle that? What do they do in Church, how do they spend their non liturgical time? Totally devoid of any spirituality? There is no problem that cannot be handled, especially at the level of bishop, and readily solved by just reading their own festal letters, sermons, writings, etc. But yet again and again, they show us that they DO NOT BELIEVE a WORD they say and that its merely for OUR consumption to be happy and feel good to keep sending them MONEY to spend on their unGodly diversions.
The more and more you hear them, see them, and watch them bumble about trying to walk a fine line between acting like bishops and covering up and protecting God hating and soul destroying acts the more comical it becomes when you see them trying to ACT in a pastoral and spiritual manner such as a hierarchical divine liturgy or when they pat the kids on the heads when the kids, unknowing what they are facing, ask them for their blessing! There they can act the part, look good, and people will be in awe. When you hear them speak their minds or from their hearts you see they have another side, a darker side, that doesn't believe what they preach.
These bishops are just deer caught in the spiritual headlights.
Good Lord!
The more and more you hear them, see them, and watch them bumble about trying to walk a fine line between acting like bishops and covering up and protecting God hating and soul destroying acts the more comical it becomes when you see them trying to ACT in a pastoral and spiritual manner such as a hierarchical divine liturgy or when they pat the kids on the heads when the kids, unknowing what they are facing, ask them for their blessing! There they can act the part, look good, and people will be in awe. When you hear them speak their minds or from their hearts you see they have another side, a darker side, that doesn't believe what they preach.
These bishops are just deer caught in the spiritual headlights.
Good Lord!
#12
Anonymous
on
2008-07-25 06:38
DEAR STOKOE IS IT TRUE MR CAPS NAME WAS MENTIONED IN CLEVELAND? IS IT TRUE PEOPLE THINK THIS WEBSITE IS A JOKE? DO PEOPLE SEE YOUR AGENDA? ARE YOU PROUD OF YOUR "GOSSIP WEBSITE"? THE TALK IS AT THE ALL AMERICAN COUNCIL, PEOPLE ARE GOING TO DEMAND THIS WEBSITE BE SHUT DOWN! WHAT WILL MARK DO? hide behind bishop JOB? I GUESS WE WILL WAIT AND SEE! SORRY BUT GOSSIP MAN SPEAKS THE TRUTH ONCE AGAIN!
(Editor's note: A priest mentioned bad manners on the internet - which I guess you qualify for, but I have no evidence he was speaking of you directly. Outside of you, I know of no one who things this website is a joke. On the contrary, most people think what we are discussing is rather serious.
And once again, there is no agenda here beyond the search for truth. Why do you fear the truth so much you must label everything "gossip"? Were Kondratick's misdeeds "gossip"? Were Dn. Eric's allegations "gossip"? Was the exposure of the Metropolitan's efforts to cover up the former and deny the latter "gossip?". Has any document I published or quoted in the last three years been show to be false? No. You can scream on, all your want, but you only demonstrate your increasing desperation for all to see.
As for shutting down this website, dream on. The search for the truth never ends, never tires, never gives up, because unlike gossip, it is based on love. I am afraid OCANews.org and its readers are going to be around to confound you and all those who disparage the truth for a long time yet.
And in the end, we will triumph, for the truth will out. You and your ilk can deny and delay, but you have already been exposed for what you really are - for you have exposed yourself. You would make us all small as you are; but we will be deterred or diverted. In the end, and the end approaches, the truth will be known, and the truth will make us free. )
(Editor's note: A priest mentioned bad manners on the internet - which I guess you qualify for, but I have no evidence he was speaking of you directly. Outside of you, I know of no one who things this website is a joke. On the contrary, most people think what we are discussing is rather serious.
And once again, there is no agenda here beyond the search for truth. Why do you fear the truth so much you must label everything "gossip"? Were Kondratick's misdeeds "gossip"? Were Dn. Eric's allegations "gossip"? Was the exposure of the Metropolitan's efforts to cover up the former and deny the latter "gossip?". Has any document I published or quoted in the last three years been show to be false? No. You can scream on, all your want, but you only demonstrate your increasing desperation for all to see.
As for shutting down this website, dream on. The search for the truth never ends, never tires, never gives up, because unlike gossip, it is based on love. I am afraid OCANews.org and its readers are going to be around to confound you and all those who disparage the truth for a long time yet.
And in the end, we will triumph, for the truth will out. You and your ilk can deny and delay, but you have already been exposed for what you really are - for you have exposed yourself. You would make us all small as you are; but we will be deterred or diverted. In the end, and the end approaches, the truth will be known, and the truth will make us free. )
#13
Anonymous
on
2008-07-25 13:29
For those at the Hartford Town Hall......
Was Fr. Michael Roshak present at the meeting? If not, anyone know why not?
Anonymous
Was Fr. Michael Roshak present at the meeting? If not, anyone know why not?
Anonymous
#14
Anonymous
on
2008-07-27 14:34
Did anyone from Three Saints Church in Ansonia, CT, attend the Hartford Town Hall meeting? If so, did any that attended make their presence known? If not, why did no one attend?
#14.1
Mark C. Phinney
on
2008-07-28 04:04
The author does not allow comments to this entry
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