BLASDELL, N.Y. (WKBW) — A company's checkered past may prevent it from getting a $3.9 million contract.
Zoladz Construction was suppose to repave Lake Avenue in Blasdell, but the New York Foundation for Fair Contracting alerted officials to a few blights in the company's records.
In 2017, Zoladz settled a $3 million case regarding allegations that the company falsely identified as a disabled veteran-owned business. The NYFFC also noted the company had various OSHA violations.
With this new information, Erie County legislator, Lynne Dixon, who represents Blasdell, said this could take the deal off the table.
"The posing as a veteran owned company is troubling to us."
The contracting company will meet with the legislature on May 30 to answer questions regarding this issue. However, Dixon is questioning more than just the company.
"How did we in the county not know about it, or if we did, was it not a factor in making the determination in who would be awarded the contract," she said.
The contract was agreed upon several years ago. Dixon said the county executive needs to make it clear how the decision was made.
"...in this case there were some questions regarding past actions by this particular bidder, so that's why there is further discussion in this case," a spokesperson for county executive Mark Poloncarz said.
Erie County Department of Public Works will also be meeting the Zoladz at a later date.
Residents of Blasdell want this to be resolved quickly. The annual Memorial Day parade isn't happening for the second year in a row. In 2018, the road conditions were so bad organizers canceled the parade. After road improvements that still left large holes in the road, organizers didn't even bother to schedule the celebration.
