Perfect Rack Billiards shut down by city.. thanks to Sleiman

[duvaltilidie]

I don’t know if this has been discussed here yet, I couldn’t find a thread. If there is one, my apologies.

Last week, Sleiman Enterprises put up a fence behind the backlot at Perfect Rack Billiards. This not only cut off access to getting to their dumpster, but also cut off access to a 2nd fire exit. First Coast News got a “bs statement” from Sleiman and days later, the city shut the bar down. Is there anything that can be done?

https://www.firstcoastnews.com/article/life/food/first-coast-foodies/perfect-rack-billiards-closed/77-bc09a6f0-0c46-4463-98b3-289fcca438a3

[Adam White]

As I understand it, Sleiman has a right (or believes he has a right) to put up a fence. The businesses have been using his property in order to have the dumpster emptied, etc. If there is no easement, Sleiman probably does have a right to do that - apparently Moon River have a fence up in much the same way. Sleiman's statement alludes to issues with parking and possible antisocial behaviour on the part of the patrons of some or all of the affected businesses. Not sure if that's true or not - but it really doesn't matter in the event he has a right to put up a fence.

If he is within his rights, it raises the question of why those businesses (or their lawyers) didn't conduct their due diligence ahead of time. Surely if you were going to need to have guaranteed access via another person's property, you'd want to check it first.

I think they were closed by the Fire Marshall because of a violation resulting from the fence being erected - the businesses don't have an acceptable number of appropriate fire exits?

Sleiman is possibly being a total dick, but I doubt he's doing anything illegal. I feel bad for Jason, as he spent a lot of time and money getting his beer hall opened. I hope they can come to some sort of reasonable solution.

[Charles Hunter]

I think (but do not know for sure) that the businesses that Sleiman is forcing to close were there before he bought the building, and the previous owner allowed access.  As noted on some of the FB discussion, Sleiman's fence is a foot or two away from an existing fence that has locked gate.
Apparently, the business behind the gate (the now closed ones) had keys, as did the companies serving the dumpster and grease trap.  Adam, I am pretty sure you can take the word "possibly" out of the first sentence in your last paragraph - it seems to be his business model.

[acme54321]

Sleiman's long game is probably to acquire that building.

[Charles Hunter]

Sleiman's long game is probably to acquire that building.

After driving the value and price down with his fence.

[thelakelander]

As I understand it, Sleiman has a right (or believes he has a right) to put up a fence. The businesses have been using his property in order to have the dumpster emptied, etc. If there is no easement, Sleiman probably does have a right to do that - apparently Moon River have a fence up in much the same way. Sleiman's statement alludes to issues with parking and possible antisocial behaviour on the part of the patrons of some or all of the affected businesses. Not sure if that's true or not - but it really doesn't matter in the event he has a right to put up a fence.

Interesting. Before the fence went up, I wonder if there was any attempt made to curb the claimed antisocial behavior?

[Tacachale]

As I understand it, Sleiman has a right (or believes he has a right) to put up a fence. The businesses have been using his property in order to have the dumpster emptied, etc. If there is no easement, Sleiman probably does have a right to do that - apparently Moon River have a fence up in much the same way. Sleiman's statement alludes to issues with parking and possible antisocial behaviour on the part of the patrons of some or all of the affected businesses. Not sure if that's true or not - but it really doesn't matter in the event he has a right to put up a fence.

Interesting. Before the fence went up, I wonder if there was any attempt made to curb the claimed antisocial behavior?

That's my one major thought on this.

[Steve]

As I understand it, Sleiman has a right (or believes he has a right) to put up a fence. The businesses have been using his property in order to have the dumpster emptied, etc. If there is no easement, Sleiman probably does have a right to do that - apparently Moon River have a fence up in much the same way. Sleiman's statement alludes to issues with parking and possible antisocial behaviour on the part of the patrons of some or all of the affected businesses. Not sure if that's true or not - but it really doesn't matter in the event he has a right to put up a fence.

Interesting. Before the fence went up, I wonder if there was any attempt made to curb the claimed antisocial behavior?

Not sure. But, one thing that hasn't been discussed. We've heard from Sleiman and the tenants of the buildings (the business owners). Has anyone heard anything from the OWNERS of the buildings these businesses were in? At some level, doesn't thing landlord of those buildings have some responsibility here?

I've never been a commercial landlord, but as a (former) residential landlord I didn't go over every rule in the HOA guidelines (yes, it was one of those communities) but I high the high points on parking, etc.

[Adam White]

As I understand it, Sleiman has a right (or believes he has a right) to put up a fence. The businesses have been using his property in order to have the dumpster emptied, etc. If there is no easement, Sleiman probably does have a right to do that - apparently Moon River have a fence up in much the same way. Sleiman's statement alludes to issues with parking and possible antisocial behaviour on the part of the patrons of some or all of the affected businesses. Not sure if that's true or not - but it really doesn't matter in the event he has a right to put up a fence.

Interesting. Before the fence went up, I wonder if there was any attempt made to curb the claimed antisocial behavior?

Who knows?

[Starbuck]

When your warranty deed reads, "Conveyance made without benefit of a title search."....

[acme54321]

Just saw on the news that they have reopened after making a deal with the owners of the Moon River building, "Goin Coastal Properties," for access through their side.

[Adam White]

Just saw on the news that they have reopened after making a deal with the owners of the Moon River building, "Goin Coastal Properties," for access through their side.

That's great news. Glad to see they were able to get something done - and didn't have to languish in uncertainty for weeks. Now Sleiman gets to keep his stupid fence and look like a petty dick and the owner of the other building comes away looking great.