Dabdoub

The Supreme Court has put the brakes on plans by the Kingston and St Andrew Corporation (KSAC) to demolish a building at 14 Caledonia Avenue in Cross Roads, St Andrew.

The KSAC started the demolition of the building shortly after nine yesterday morning, but less than two hours later, it had to put away the wrecking ball.

That was after attorney-at-law Abe Dabdoub turned up with a court injunction putting a stop on the demolition.

Dabdoub was unwilling to discuss the case with The Sunday Gleaner yesterday except to say that he was acting on behalf of a client with an interest in the property.

But it was clear that it was back to the court for the KSAC if it wants to demolish the building which it says is an eyesore and a safety hazard.

The KSAC had already spent almost five years in court before it received the green light to demolish the building, which it says was built without a permit.

Several breaches

The council has also identified several safety breaches in the building, which houses more than 30 small shops.

Last week, the KSAC served a five-day notice on the business operators as it prepared to demolish the building.

While some operators pleaded for more time, others indicated an intention to fight the matter in court as they demanded an extension of the notices.