Monday, December 26, 2016

"... trial to begin in early 2017..."?

"The county doesn’t expect a trial to begin until early 2017, and estimates it could last a year to 18 months. Appeals could take two years.
Montgomery requires parties in the suit to enter “alternative dispute resolution,” or mediation, a process that could lead to an out-of-court settlement. But such a settlement makes it likely that Montgomery County would fall short of the 2013 reelection campaign promise by County Executive Isiah Leggett (D): that every taxpayer dollar spent fixing the transit center’s defects would be recovered.
“It’ll be a challenge,” said Matthew J. Pavlides, an attorney for the firm Miles and Stockbridge who specializes in construction litigation."
Silver Spring Transit Center lawsuit tests ties between Metro, contractor - The Washington Post

I predict that this lawsuit will be settled out-of-court--too embarrassing for the principals, particularly Montgomery County and its politicians, and WMATA (albeit it's difficult to imagine WMATA, with their record, capable of being more embarrassed than they already should be).

PS Montgomery County and WMATA suing the contractor for negligence is TWO pots calling the kettle black! Montgomery County is construction manager of record for the Paul S. Sarbanes Silver Spring Transit Center; and, WMATA, besides being the county's "partner" in the project, was paid by the county to provide construction document and construction review. And, WMATA is..., ... with WMATA's record..., well..., it's WMATA!