HUNTINGTON — The City of Huntington seeks to take control of a building that has been home to problems for more than a decade.
The lawsuit, filed September 12 in Cabell Circuit Court, names property owner Gary W. Stanley as well as Michigan resident Christopher Thomas, who operates CT’s Biker Club at the property located at 2005 10th Avenue in the Fairfield section of the city.
The city wants a preliminary injunction to close the building that has housed Gary’s Place, Tamika’s Social Club and CT’s Biker Club.
The city says this building is in one of the “pockets” where crime is concentrated.
“In this pockets, the Huntington Police Department struggles to control the commerce of illegal drugs and the attendant crimes of violence, thievery and disturbances of the peace,” the complaint states. “Law abiding residents of these neighborhoods fear for their safety and property on a constant basis.
“Noise, gunfire, destruction of property and other incidents of crime significantly interfere with the enjoyment of hard-earned peace and property.”
According to the complaint, police have responded to 213 calls at the address since Stanley has owned it. Of those, about 140 calls related to the operation of the bar, including 21 calls regarding shots fired. A double homicide occurred at the property earlier this month.
Huntington Mayor Steve Williams previously has said he wants to have the building demolished, but the complaint does not seek authority to do that.
The city seeks an order granting a preliminary injunction to physically shutter and padlock the premises to keep the defendants from continuing the nuisance. It also seeks a permanent injunction banning any commercial use of the structure by Stanley, any of his blood relatives, business associates or any person seeking to operate in a manner similar to the building’s historical use.
“In considering the balances of hardships between the city and its citizens, as opposed to those of the defendants, the remedy in equity is warranted,” the complaint states. “Further, the public interest would be served by the issuance of the requested temporary and permanent injunctions.”
The complaint was filed by City Attorney Scott Damron and Assistant City Attorney Ericka Hernandez. The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Chris Chiles.
Cabell Circuit Court case number 20-C-362
