New Milford Wins Lawsuit Against Contractor

NEW MILFORD, CT — Following almost four years of litigation, the town of New Milford has received $489,372 in a suit involving a demolition contractor, according to a statement from the town. The contractor had been working on remediation of the Century Brass property.

The town sued Standard Demolition Services, Inc., claiming it breached its $2.7 million contract to demolish and remediate the 315,000-square-foot former brass mill building. As result of Standard Demolition’s breach, the town terminated Standard and had to hire a substitute contractor at a higher bid price, according to the statement.

Standard countersued in an eight-count counterclaim, alleging the town withheld critical bid information regarding contamination.

The court rejected all eight counts of the counterclaim, finding for the town on each.

Judge Dan Shaban found that the Town fairly and fully disclosed in good faith all material facts and circumstances to all bidders and properly terminated Standard, according to the statement.

The court found that Standard breached the contract as New Milford had alleged. Standard’s initial demand that the Town pay $2.3 million was rejected by the Town Council early on, as was its most recent $800,000 reduced demand made during the trial.

Mayor Pete Bass said: “This is a great vindication for the Town. Although this litigation was anxiety provoking, time consuming, expensive and complex, it was necessary. Standard’s demands left us only two choices: either litigate or give in to Standards demands for money. We did not give in. The Town Council was continually briefed in detail as the case progressed, and had strong faith in our bidding and contracting process and in our attorneys. Our victory illustrates the good-faith and fairness of that process. Now Standard owes us $489,732 plus court costs.”