HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-0502IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS FOR
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
RICHARD L. RAUDABAUGH
d/b/a DRAPERY FABRICATIONS ;
t/a DRAPERYLAND,
Plaintiff
CASE NO. I/i T? I'Yl'1
V.
SMITH LAND & IMPROVEMENT CORP. CIVIL ACTION - LAW
Defendant
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
NOTICE TO DEFEND
NOTICE
YOU HAVE BEEN SUED IN COURT. If you wish
to defend against the claims set forth in the following
pages, you must take action within twenty (20) days
after this Complaint and Notice are served, by
entering a written appearance personally or by
attorney and filing in writing with the Court your
defenses and objections to the claims set forth against
you. You are warned that if you fail to do so the case
may proceed without you and a judgment may be
entered against you by the Court without further
notice for any money claimed in the Complaint or for
any other claim or relief requested by the Plaintiff.
You may lose money or property or other rights
important to you.
YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR
LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A
LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO
OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH
BELOW TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET
LEGAL HELP.
Cumberland County Bar Association
32 S. Bedford Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
800-990-9108
AVISO
USTED HA SIDO DEMANDADO/A EN CORTE.
Si usted desea defenderse de las demandas que se
presentan mas adelante en las siguientes paginas,
debe tomar accion dentro de los proximos veinte (20)
dias despues de la notifcacion de esta Demanda y
Aviso radicando personalmente o por medio de un
abogado una comparecencia escrita y radicando en la
Corte por escrito sus defensas de, y objecciones a, las
demandas presentada aqui en contra suya. Se le
advierte de que si usted falla de tomar accion como se
describe anteriormente, el caso puede proceder sin
usted y un fallo por cualquier suma de dinero
reclamada en la demanda o cualquier otra
reclamacion o remedio solicitado por el demandante
puede ser dictado en contra suya por la Corte sin mas
aviso adicional. Usted puede perder dinero o
propiedad u otros derechos importantes para usted.
USTED DEBE LLEVAR ESTE DOCUMENTO A
SU ABOGADO INMEDIATAMENTE. SI USTED
NO TIENE UN ABOGADO O NO PUEDE
PAGARLE A UNO, LLAME O VAYA A LA
SIGUIENTE OFICINA PARA AVERIGUAR.
Cumberland County Bar Association
32 S. Bedford Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
800-990-9108
RICHARD L. RAUDABAUGH iN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
d/b/a DRAPERY FABRICATIONS CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
t/a DRAPERYLAND,
Plaintiff CIVIL ACTION -LAW
NO. 09-502 CIVIL
vs.
SMITH LAND & IMPROVEMENT
CORP.,
Defendant JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
IN RE: DEFENDANT'S MOTION TO COMPEL AND STRIKE OBJECTIONS
ORDER
AND NOW, this /3 ~ day of July, 2009, a brief argument on the above-captioned
motion to enforce subpoena is set for Thursday, August 6, 2009, at 2:00 p.m. in Courtroom
Number 4, Cumberland County Courthouse, Carlisle, PA.
Lowell Gates, Esquire
For the Plaintiff
Stephanie E. DiVittore, Esquire
For the Defendant
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BY THE COURT,
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IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS FOR
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
RICHARD L. RAUDABAUGH
d/b/a DRAPERY FABRICATIONS
t/a DRAPERYLAND,
Plaintiff
V.
SMITH LAND & IMPROVEMENT CORP.
Defendant
CASE NO. 0 9- --6r0.2 Oja , .
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
COMPLAINT
AND NOW, comes the Plaintiff, Richard L. Raudabaugh, d/b/a Drapery
Fabrications, t/a Draperyland, by and through his attorneys, Gates, Halbruner, Hatch &
Guise, P.C. and files this Complaint against Smith Land & Improvement Corporation for
breach of contract and violation of the covenant of quite enjoyment, and avers as follows:
PARTIES
1. The Plaintiff is Richard L. Raudabaugh, an adult individual, doing
business as Drapery Fabrications and t/a Draperyland, with his residence at 50
Devonshire Square, Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
2. The Defendant is Smith Land & Improvement Corporation with offices at
2010 State Road, Borough of Lemoyne, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
JURISDICTION
3. This Court has jurisdiction over the parties and the matter under 42 Pa.
C.S.A. Section 931.
4. Venue is proper because both parties are located within Cumberland
County, Pennsylvania, and the leased property is located within Cumberland County,
Pennsylvania.
FACTS
5. Plaintiff Richard L. Raudabaugh acquired the Gerber's Draperyland
business from the Gerber family in 1975. In 1975, Richard L. Raudabaugh moved the
Gerber's Draperyland business from Harrisburg to the commercial space at 1004 Market
Street, Borough of Lemoyne, Pennsylvania ("the Property"). The Gerber family owned
the 1004 Market Street Property through their company, Gerber Realty Corporation, a
Pennsylvania business corporation. Plaintiff and Gerber Realty Corporation entered into
a lease agreement in 1975.
6. Plaintiff entered into a second and final lease agreement with Gerber
Realty Corporation on November 2, 1999 ("the Lease Agreement") for the lease of the
1,081 square foot space ("the Premises") located within the building at 1004 Market
Street, Lemoyne. A true and correct copy of the November 2, 1999 Lease Agreement is
attached as Exhibit A.
7. The November 2, 1999 Lease Agreement provided for a one-year term for
the period January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2000, and the Lease Agreement provided
Richard L. Raudabaugh, as the Tenant, with yearly renewal options.
8. Paragraph 15 of the Lease Agreement provided that if the Landlord sold
the Property "the purchaser may terminate this Lease on the thirtieth (30th) day of April in
any year upon giving the Tenant notice of such termination prior to the first (lit) day of
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January in the same year." Please see page 10, paragraph 15 of the Lease Agreement
attached hereto as Exhibit A.
9. Paragraph 29 of the Lease Agreement provided that "[e]ither the Tenant or
Landlord can terminate this lease by providing no less than ninety (90) days notice of the
intention to terminate to the other party in writing at the address provided herein." Please
see page 15, paragraph 29 of the Lease Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit A.
10. The termination provision contained in paragraph 15 of the Lease
Agreement was never exercised by Gerber Realty Corporation, as Landlord, during the
intervening seven (7) years, and the termination provision contained in paragraph 29 of
the Lease Agreement was never exercised by Gerber Realty Corporation, as Landlord, or
Richard L. Raudabaugh, as Tenant, during the intervening seven (7) years.
11. Gerber Realty Corporation sold the 1004 Market Street Property to 02
Group, LLC owned by Dr. Jennifer and Christopher Zampogna on February 10, 2006.
12. Plaintiff Richard L. Raudabaugh and 02 Group, LLC executed an
Addendum to Lease on March 31, 2006 ("the Addendum"). A true and correct copy of
the Addendum to Lease is attached as Exhibit B.
13. The term of the Addendum was from March 1, 2006 until February 28,
2009.
14. The Addendum states that "Tenant will have 2 additional three (3) year
options for extension of this agreement. Notice of desire to execute options must be
given (90) ninety days before expiration of lease term." These renewal options would
have allowed Plaintiff to continue to lease term for six (6) more years beyond the initial
lease term.
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15. Defendant Smith Land & Improvement Corporation acquired the 1004
Market Street Property from 02 Group, LLC on April 10, 2008.
16. On May 1, 2008, Defendant Smith Land & Improvement Corporation told
Plaintiff Richard L. Raudabaugh that the Property was scheduled to be razed and that he
and his company would have to vacate the Property by August 31, 2008.
17. Plaintiff Richard L. Raudabaugh did not agree to vacate the Property on or
before August 31, 2008.
18. Defendant Smith Land & Improvement Corporation, and the family's
affiliated companies, own and operate the L.B. Smith Ford car dealership and the West
Shore Shopping Center all of which adjoin the subject Property on the west side.
19. Plaintiff believes and therefore avers that Defendant Smith Land &
Improvement Corporation, and the family's affiliated companies, acquired the Central
Lincoln Mercury car dealership in early calendar year 2008 and merged the two car
dealerships into one operation and one location at what is now the L.B. Smith Ford
Lincoln Mercury car dealership at 1100 Market Street, Lemoyne.
20. Plaintiff believes and therefore avers that when Defendant acquired the
subject Property, Defendant knew that it needed more space to operate its combined car
dealership, and in fact, Ford Motor Corporation required Defendant to obtain more land
as a condition of its combined dealership.
21. In June 2008, less than two months after Defendant acquired the Property,
Defendant started work on the Property causing excessive noise, dirt, dust, traffic and
parking problems for Plaintiff's drapery business.
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22. Starting in June 2008, Defendant dug up large underground fuel tanks on
the Property.
23. Starting in June 2008, Defendant began parking dozens of new Ford trucks
along the front of the Property (the portion of the Property facing Market Street) which
prevented Plaintiff s customers and potential customers from seeing Plaintiff's business
store front.
24. By the end of June 2008, Defendant had also torn down the large sign
along Market Street on which Plaintiff had his business name and advertisement and
which sign directed patrons to Plaintiff s business in the Property.
25. With the L.B. Smith Ford Lincoln Mercury car dealership spilling over on
the Property from 1100 Market Street, and the excavation taking place on the Property,
the Property and Building in which Plaintiff had his drapery business appear to be closed
to business and his customers.
26. Plaintiff experienced a decrease in business revenues in May 2008 and the
revenue decrease continued into June, July and August of 2008.
27. By letter dated July 2, 2008, Defendant then told Plaintiff to vacate the
Premises on or before October 3, 2008.
28. Defendant Smith Land & Improvement Corporation substantially impaired
Plaintiff s possessory interests in the leased Property by commencing construction
activities on the Property, tearing down the large advertising sign and by storing dozens
of Ford trucks on the Property.
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29. Plaintiffs use of and benefit from the Property was substantially
decreased by Defendant's interference with a right or privilege which is necessary to the
enjoyment of the Property.
30. By August 31, 2008, because of the excavation, truck storage, sign
removal, and threatened demolition of the building, Plaintiff was forced to vacate the
Property and returned the keys to the Property to Defendant.
COUNTS
1. BREACH OF CONTRACT
31. Paragraphs 1 through 30 are incorporated herein as though set forth in full
herein.
32. Defendant and Plaintiff are parties to the Lease Agreement to lease the
Property and Premises therein located at 1004 Market Street, Lemoyne.
33. Plaintiff paid to Defendant all required monthly rent and all other amounts
in a timely manner all in accordance with the Lease Agreement.
34. Plaintiff complied with all of the terms and conditions of the Lease
Agreement.
35. Defendant breached the Lease Agreement by forcing Plaintiff to vacate the
Property prior to the natural termination of the lease term and Plaintiff s right to exercise
its renewal options.
36. Forcing Plaintiff to relocate caused Plaintiff to incur damages in the form
of lost business revenue, moving costs, the cost of higher rent at the new location, lost
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improvements to the Property, lost advertising expenses, lost productivity and costs to
improve the new leasehold property.
RELIEF
37. Plaintiff seeks relief in the amount of $75,000.00 against Defendant Smith
Land & Improvement Corporation.
COUNT II
BREACH OF THE COVENANT OF QUIET ENJOYMENT
38. Paragraphs 1 through 37 are incorporated herein as though set forth in full
herein.
39. Plaintiff leased the Property from Defendant, since Defendant acquired the
Property and in so doing, assumed the Lease Agreement.
40. Plaintiff had an implied covenant of quite enjoyment with Defendant.
41. Defendant breached the covenant of quite enjoyment when Defendant
began excavation and construction on the Property and began storing dozens of new Ford
trucks on the Property and through other activities hindered Plaintiffs drapery business.
42. Defendant breached the covenant of quite enjoyment when Defendant
forced Plaintiff to vacate the Property prior to the natural termination of the lease term
and Plaintiff's right to exercise its renewal options.
43. Forcing Plaintiff to relocate caused damage to Plaintiff in the form of lost
business revenue, moving costs, the cost of higher rent at the new location, lost
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improvements to the Property, lost advertising expenses, lost productivity and costs to
improve the new leasehold property.
44. Defendant's conduct was extreme and outrageous.
RELIEF
45. Plaintiff seeks relief in the amount of $75,000.00 against Defendant Smith
Land & Improvement Corporation and punitive damages as this Court deems just and
appropriate.
COUNT III
TRESPASS
46. Paragraphs 1 through 45 are incorporated herein as though set forth in full
herein.
47. Defendant's action of excavation and construction on the Property and the
storage of vehicles on the Property constituted a constructive eviction.
48. Defendant's constructive eviction was wrongful.
49. Defendant's conduct was extreme and outrageous.
RELIEF
50. Plaintiff seeks relief in the amount of $75,000.00 against Defendant Smith
Land & Improvement Corporation and punitive damages as this Court deems just and
appropriate.
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Wherefore, Plaintiff respectfully requests this Court grant to Plaintiff the
requested relief against Defendant for breach of contract, breach of the covenant of quiet
enjoyment and trespass.
Respectfully
January 28, 2009
PA
Sar E. McCarroll
PA 1102
Gates, Halbruner, Hatch & Guise, P.C.
1013 Mumma Road, Suite 100
Lemoyne, PA 17043-1144
Phone: (717) 731-9600
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EXHIBIT "A"
LEASE
1?
THIS LEASE, dated the 2L "b day of N)ovemmetr
1999 between GERBER REALTY CORPORATION, (hereinafter referred to
as the "Landlord"), and RICHARD RAUDABAUGH DBA DRAPERY
FABRICATIONS, INC., T/A DRAPERYLAND, (hereinafter referred to as
the "Tenant").
W I T N E S S E T H:
That the Landlord hereby demises and leases unto the
Tenant, and the Tenant hereby hires and takes from the Landlord
for the term and upon the rentals hereinafter specified, the
premises described as follows, situated in the Borough of
Lemoyne, County of Cumberland and State of Pennsylvania:
The ground floor of the Gerber Realty Building, 1004
Market Street, Lemoyne, PA 17043, and adjacent to Cobbler's Shoe
Store, the leased area being 23' x 47' (1081 square feet).
The term of this demise shall be for One Year beginning
1-1-2000 and ending 12-31-2000.
The rent for the demised premises shall be $698.00 per
month.
•
The said rent is to be payable monthly in advance on
the first (1st) day of each calendar month for the term hereof,
at the office of Gerber Realty Corporation, 1004 Market Street,
Lemoyne, PA 17043, or as may be otherwise directed by the
Landlord in writing.
THE ABOVE LETTING IS UPON THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
1. The Landlord covenants that the Tenant, on paying
the 0--id rental and performing the covenants and conditions in
this Lease contained, shall and may peaceably and quietly have,
hold and enjoy the demised premises for the term aforesaid.
2. The Tenant covenants and agrees to use the demised
premises as a business premises being a drapery workroom and
associated business and agrees not to use or permit the premises
to be used for any other purpose without the prior written
consent of the Landlord endorsed hereon.
3. The Tenant shall, without any previous demand
therefor, pay to the Landlord, or its ag
times and in the manner above provided.
payment of said rent, or any installment
and in the manner above provided, and if
default for ten days after becoming due,
be dispossessed for non-payment of rent,
ent, the said rent at the
In the event of the non-
thereof, at the times
the same shall remain in
or if the Tenant shall
or if the leased
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premises shall be deserted or vacated, the Landlord or its agents
shall have the right to and may enter the said premises as the
agent of the Tenant, either by force or otherwise, without being
liable for any prosecution or damages therefor, and may relet the
premises as the agent of the Tenant, and receive the rent
therefor, upon such terms as shall be satisfactory to the
Landlord, and all rights of the Tenant to repossess the premises
under this Lease shall be forfeited. Such re-entry by the
Landlord shall not operate to release the Tenant from any rent to
be paid or covenants to be performed hereulldej du.ciily Liie full
term of this Lease. For the purpose of reletting, the Landlord
shall be authorized to make such repairs or alterations in or to
the leased premises as may be necessary to place the same in good
order and condition. The Tenant shall be liable to the Landlord
for the cost of such repairs or alterations, and all expenses of
such reletting. If the"sum realized or to be realized from the
reletting is insufficient to satisfy the monthly or term rent
provided in this Lease, the Landlord, at its option, may require
the Tenant to pay such deficiency month by month, or may hold the
Tenant in advance for the entry deficiency to be realized during
the term of the reletting. The Tenant shall not be entitled to
any surplus accruing as a result of the reletting. The Landlord
is hereby granted a lien, in addition to any statutory lien or
right to distrain that may exist, on all personal property of the
Tenant in or upon the demised premises, to secure payment of the
rent and performance of the covenants and conditions of this
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lease. The Landlord shall have the right, as agent of the
Tenant, to take possession of any furniture, fixtures or other
personal property of the Tenant found in or about the premises,
and sell the same at public or private sale and to apply the
proceeds thereof to the payment of any monies becoming due under
this lease, the Tenant hereby waiving the benefit of all laws
exempting property from execution, levy and sale on distress or
judgment. The Tenant agrees to pay, as additional rent, all
attorney's fees and other expenses incurred by the Landlord in
enforcing any of the obligation-. undcr this Lease.
4. The Tenant shall not sub-let the demised premises
nor any portion thereof, nor shall this lease be assigned by the
Tenant without the prior written consent of the Landlord.
5. The Tenant has examined the demised premises, and
accepts them in their present condition (except as otherwise
expressly provided herein) and without any representations on the
part of the Landlord or its agents as to the present or future
condition of the said premises. The Tenant shall keep the
demised premises in good condition, and shall redecorate, paint
and renovate the said premises as may be necessary to keep them
in repair and good appearance. The Tenant shall quit and
surrender the premises at the end of the demised term in as good
condition as the reasonable use thereof will permit. The Tenant
shall not make any alterations, additions, or improvements to
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said premises without the prior written consent of the Landlord.
All erections, alterations, additions and improvements, whether
temporary or permanent in character, which may be made upon the
premises either by the Landlord or the Tenant, except furniture
or movable trade fixtures installed at the expense of the Tenant,
shall be the property of the Landlord and shall remain upon and
be surrendered with the premises as a part thereof at the
termination of this Lease, without compensation to the Tenant.
The Tenant further agrees to keep said premises and all parts
thereof in a clean and sanitary condition and free from trash.
inflammable material and other objectionable matter. If this
Lease covers premises, all or a part of which are on the ground
floor, Landlord further agrees to keep the sidewalks in front of
such ground floor portion of the demised premises clean and free
of obstructions, snow and ice.
6. In the event that any mechanics' lien is filed
against the premises as a result of alterations, additions or
improvements made by the Tenant, the Landlord, at its option,
after thirty days, notice to the Tenant, may terminate this lease
and may pay the said lien, without inquiring into the validity
thereof, and the Tenant shall forthwith reimburse the Landlord
the total expense incurred by the Landlord in discharging the
said lien, as additional rent hereunder.
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7. The Tenant agrees to replace at the Landlord's
expense any and all glass which may become broken in and on the
demised premises. Plate glass and mirrors, if any, shall be
insured by the Tenant at their full insurable value in a company
satisfactory to the Landlord. Said policy shall be of the full
premium type, and shall be deposited with the Landlord or its
agent.
8. The Landlord shall not be responsible for the loss
of or damage to property, or injury to persons, occurring in or
about the demised premises, by reason of any existing or future
condition, defect, matter or thing in said demised premises or
the property of which the premises are a part, or for the acts,
omissions or negligence of other persons or tenants in and about
the said property. The Tenant agrees to indemnify and save the
Landlord harmless from all claims and liability for losses of or
damages to property, or injuries to persons occurring in or about
the demised premises.
9. Utilities and services furnished to the demised
premises for the benefit of the Tenant shall be provided and paid
for as follows: water by the Landlord; gas by the Landlord;
electricity by the Tenant; heat by the Landlord; hot water by the
Landlord; heat and air conditioning shall be provided by the
Landlord during Gerber Fabrics normal business hours.
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The Landlord shall not be liable for any interruption
or delay in any of the above services for any reason. The
Landlord shall not be obligated to replace the central air
conditioning system in the event that the air conditioning unit
for some reason fails to operate properly.
10. The Landlord, or its agents, shall have the right
to enter the demised premises at reasonable hours in the day or
night to examine the same, or to run telephone or other wires, or
to make such repairs; ad- itions or alterations as it --hall deem
necessary for the safety, preservation or restoration of the
improvements, or for the safety or convenience of the occupants
or users thereof (there being no obligation, however, on the part
of the Landlord to make any such repairs, additions or
alterations), or to exhibit the same to prospective purchasers
and put upon the premises a suitable "For Sale" sign. For three
months prior to the expiration of the demised term, the Landlord,
or its agents, may similarly exhibit the premises to prospective
tenants, and may place the usual "To Let" signs thereof.
11. In the event of the destruction of the demised
premises or the building containing the said premises by fire,
explosion, the elements or otherwise during the term hereby
created, or previous thereto, or such partial destruction thereof
as to render the premises wholly untenantable or unfit for
occupancy, or should the demised premises be so badly injured
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•
that the same cannot be repaired within ninety days from the
happening of such injury, then and in such case the term hereby
created shall, at the option of the Landlord, cease and become
null and void from the date of such damage or destruction, and
the Tenant shall immediately surrender said premises and all the
Tenant's interest therein to the Landlord, and shall pay rent
only to the time of such surrender, in which event the Landlord
may re-enter and re-possess the premises thus discharged from
this Lease and may remove all parties therefrom. Should the
demised premises be rendered untenantable and unfit for
occupancy, but yet be repairable within ninety days from the
happening of said injury, the Landlord may enter and repair the
same with reasonable speed, and the rent shall not accrue after
said injury or while repairs are being made, but shall recommence
immediately after said repairs shall be completed. But if the
premises shall be so slightly injured as not to be rendered
untenantable and unfit for occupancy, then the Landlord agrees to
repair the same with reasonable promptness and in that case the
rent accrued and accruing shall not cease or determine. The
Tenant shall immediately notify the Landlord in case of fire or
other damage to the premises.
12. The Tenant agrees to observe and comply with all
laws, ordinances, rules and regulations of the Federal, State,
County and Municipal authorities applicable to the business to be
conducted by the Tenant in the demised premises. The Tenant
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. .
agrees not to do or permit anything to be done in said premises,
or keep anything therein, which will increase the rate of fire
insurance premiums on the improvements or any part thereof, or on
property kept therein, or which will obstruct or interfere with
the rights of other tenants, or conflict with the regulations of
the Fire Department or with any insurance policy upon said
improvements or any part thereof. In the event of any increase
in insurance premiums resulting from the Tenant's occupancy of
the premises, or from any act or omission on the part of the
Tenant; the Tenant agrees to pay said increase in insurance
premiums on the improvements or contents thereof as additional
rent.
13. No sign, advertisement or notice shall be affixed
to or placed upon any part of the demised premises by the Tenant,
except in such manner, and of such size, design and color as
shall be approved in advance in writing by the Landlord.
Existing types and size of signs have already been approved by
the Landlord.
14. This Lease is subject and hereby subordinated to
all present and future mortgages, deeds of trust and other
encumbrances affecting the demised premises or the property of
which said premises are a part. The Tenant agrees to execute, at
no expense to the Landlord, any instrument which may be deemed
necessary or desirable by the Landlord to further effect the
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•
•
subordination of this Lease to any such mortgage, deed of trust
or encumbrance.
15. In the event of the sale by the Landlord of the
demised premises, or the property of which said premises are a
part, the Landlord or the purchaser may terminate this Lease on
the thirtieth (30th) day of April in any year upon giving the
Tenant notice of such termination prior to the first (1st) day of
January in the same year.
16. The rules and regulations regarding the demised
premises, affixed to this Lease, if any, as well as any other and
further reasonable rules and regulations which shall be made by
the Landlord, shall be observed by the Tenant and by the Tenant's
employees, agents and customers. The Landlord reserves the right
to rescind any presently existing rules applicable to the demised
premises, and to make such other and further reasonable rules and
regulations as, in its judgment, may from time to time be
desirable for the safety, care and cleanliness of the premises,
and for the preservation of good order therein, which rules, when
so made and notice thereof given to the Tenant, shall have the
same force and effect as if originally made a part of this Lease.
Such other and further rules shall not, however, be inconsistent
with the proper and rightful enjoyment by the Tenant of the
demised premises.
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•
17. In case of violation by the Tenant of any of the
covenants, agreements and conditions of this Lease, or of the
rules and regulations now or hereafter to be reasonably
established by the Landlord, and upon failure to discontinue such
violation within ten days after notice thereof given to the
Tenant, this Lease shall thenceforth, at the option of the
Landlord, become null and void, and the Landlord may re-enter
without further notice or demand. The rent in such case shall
become due, be apportioned and paid on and up to the day of such
re-entry, and the Tenant shall be liahlP for all loss or damage
resulting from such violation as aforesaid. No waiver by the
Landlord of any violation or breach of condition by the Tenant
shall constitute or be construed as a waiver of any other
violation or breach of condition, nor shall lapse of time after
breach of condition by the Tenant before the Landlord shall
exercise its option under this paragraph operate to defeat the
right of the Landlord to declare this lease null and void and to
re-enter upon the demised premises after the said breach or
violation.
18. All notices and demands, legal or otherwise,
incidental to this Lease, or to the occupation of the demised
premises, shall be in writing. If the Landlord or its agent
desires to give or serve upon the Tenant any notice or demand, it
shall be sufficient to send a copy thereof by registered mail,
addressed to the Tenant at the demised premises, or to leave a
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1 . , •
•
copy thereof with a person of suitable age found on the premises,
or to post a copy thereof upon the door to said premises.
Notices from the Tenant to the Landlord shall be sent by
registered mail or delivered to the Landlord at the place
hereinbefore designated for the payment of rent, or to such party
or place as the Landlord may from time to time designate in
writing.
19. It is further agreed that if at any time during
the term of t-hiG Lease the Tenant -hall make any assJ9nnenL for
the benefit of creditors, or be decreed insolvent or bankrupt
according to law, or if a receiver shall be appointed for the
Tenant, then the Landlord may, at its option, terminate this
Lease, exercise of such option to be evidenced by notice to that
effect served upon the assignee, receiver, trustee or other
person in charge of the liquidation of the property of the Tenant
or the Tenants estate, but such termination shall not release or
discharge any payment of rent payable hereunder and then accrued,
or any liability then accrued by reason of any agreement or
covenant herein contained on the part of the Tenant, or the
Tenant's legal representatives.
20. In the event that the Tenant shall remain in the
demised premises after the expiration of the term of this Lease
without having executed a new written lease with the Landlord,
such holding over shall not constitute a renewal or extension of
- 12 -
;{ , .
i
this Lease. The Landlord may, at its option, elect to treat the
Tenant as one who has not removed at the end of his term, and
thereupon be entitled to all the remedies against the Tenant
provided by law in that situation, or the Landlord may elect, at
its option, to construe such holding over as a tenancy from month
to month, subject to all the terms and conditions of this Lease,
except as to duration thereof, and in that event the Tenant shall
pay monthly rent in advance at the rate provided herein as
effective during the last month of the demised term.
21. If the property or any part thereof wherein the
demised premises are located shall be taken by public or quasi-
public authority under any power of eminent domain or
condemnation, this Lease, at the option of the Landlord, shall
forthwith terminate and the Tenant shall have no claim or
interest in or to any award of damages for such taking.
22. Any dispute arising under this Lease shall be
settled by arbitration. Then Landlord and Tenant shall each
choose an arbitrator, and the two arbitrators thus chosen shall
select a third arbitrator. The findings and award of the three
arbitrators thus chosen shall be final and binding on the parties
hereto.
- 13 -
. I U . ? 0
23. No rights are to be conferred upon the Tenant
until this lease has been signed by the Landlord, an executed
copy of the Lease has been delivered to Tenant.
24. The foregoing rights and remedies are not intended
to be exclusive but as additional to all rights and remedies the
Landlord would otherwise have by law.
25. All of the terms, covenants and conditions of this
lease shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the
respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and
assigns of the parties hereto. However, in the event of the
death of the Tenant, if an individual, the Landlord may, at its
option, terminate this Lease by notifying the executor or
administrator of the Tenant at the demised premises.
26. This Lease and the obligation of Tenant to pay
rent hereunder and perform all of the other covenants and
agreements hereunder on part of Tenant to be performed shall in
nowise be affected, impaired or excused because Landlord is
unable to supply or is delayed in supplying any service expressly
or impliedly to be supplied or is unable to make, or is delayed
in making any repairs, additions, alterations or decorations or
is unable to supply or is delayed in supplying any equipment or
fixtures if Landlord is prevented or delayed from so doing by
reason of governmental preemption in connection with the National
- 14 -
. 0. 1 1 . 1 0 0
Emergency declared by the President of the United States or in
connection with any rule, order or regulation of any department
or subdivision thereof of any governmental agency or by reason of
the conditions of supply and demand which have been or are
affected by the war.
27. This instrument may not be changed orally.
28. Tenant will maintain in full force and effect for
the duration of this lease, liability insurance, issued by an "A"
rated company licensed to do business in Pennsylvania, in the
minimum amount of Five Hundred Thousand ($500,000.00) Dollars
coverage, with the Landlord named as an additional insured. The
Tenant will bear, pay and discharge when and as the same become
due and payable, all judgments and lawful claims for damages or
otherwise against said Landlord arising from its use or occupancy
of said leased premises, and will assume the burden and expense
of defending all such suits, whether brought before or after the
expiration of this Lease, and will protect, indemnify and save
harmless the said Landlord, its agents, servants, employees, and
public at large by reason of, or on account of, the use or misuse
of the premises hereby leased, or any part thereof, due to the
negligence of the Tenant or the agents of the Tenant.
29. Either the Tenant or Landlord can terminate this
lease by providing no less than ninety (90) days notice of the
- 15 -
f 40 . 6 0
•
intention to terminate to the other party in writing at the
addresses provided herein.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the said parties have hereunto set
their hands and seals the day and year first above written.
WITNESS:
LANDLORD:
GERBER REALTY CORPORATION
BY -
Title. ?+ Q, 5
TENANT: RICHARD RAUDABAUGH DBA
DRAPERY FABRICATIONS, INC., T/A
RD RAUDABAUGH .
DRAPE? .YLAISID
BY
(i a(??•?C
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- 16 -
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EXHIBIT "B"
Addendum to Lease
This is an addendum to the lease dated November 2"d'1999 between Gerber
Realty Corporation and Richard Raudabaugh dba Drapery Fabrications, Inc., t/a
Draperyland (hereinafter referred to as the "Tenant".)
The original lease agreement was assigned to 02 Group, LLC on February 10`",
2006. From this point on, 02 Group, LLC will be the "Landlord."
Tenant has agreed to expand the current leased area from - The ground floor of
the Gerber Building, 1004 Market Street, Lemoyne, PA 17043, the leased area being 23'
X 47' (1081 sq ft.). To a leased area in the same location being 23' X 67' (1541 sq ft).
The rent for this area will remain at the current rent of $698. per month until
Gerber fabrics has vacated the expansion area, at which time the new rent will be $950.
per month.
Rents are payable on the first day of the month to:
02 Group, LLC
1520 Market Street
Camp Hill, PA 17011
The term of this lease will be from March 1", 2006 until February 280', 2009.
There will be a 3% annual increase in the monthly rent amount that will take effect on the
anniversary date of this agreement. The monthly rent in year 2 will be $978.50 per
month and in year 3 will be $1007.85 per month.
Tenant will have 2 additional three (3) year options for extension of this
agreement. Notice of desire to execute options must be given 90 (ninety) days before
expiration of lease term.
*13XQ6k4W,
16hris ogna Date Richard Raudabaugh
CJ2 Gro LLC Draperyland
Landlord Tenant
4 M f
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS FOR
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
RICHARD L. RAUDABAUGH
d/b/a DRAPERY FABRICATIONS, INC.
t/a DRAPERYLAND,
Plaintiff
CASE NO.
V.
SMITH LAND & IMPROVEMENT CORP. CIVIL ACTION - LAW
Defendant
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
VERIFICATION
I, Richard L. Raudabaugh, hereby verify that the statements made in the foregoing
Complaint are true and correct to the best of my information, knowledge and belief. I
understand that false statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S.
Section 4904, relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
Date:
RQ?ff
chard L. Raudabaugh, PI 'nt
V
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SHERIFF'S RETURN - REGULAR
CASE NO: 2009-00502 P
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA:
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
RAUDABAUGH RICHARD L ET AL
VS
SMITH LAND & IMPROVEMENT CORP
NOAH CLINE
Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff of
Cumberland County,Pennsylvania, who being duly sworn according to law,
says, the within COMPLAINT & NOTICE was served upon
SMITH LAND & IMPROVEMENT CORP
DEFENDANT
the
at 0010:34 HOURS, on the 4th day of February, 2009
at 2010 STATE ROAD
LEMOYNE, PA 17043 by handing to
JEFFREY A SAVORD ADULT IN CHARGE
a true and attested copy of COMPLAINT & NOTICE together with
and at the same time directing His attention to the contents thereof.
Sheriff's Costs: So Answers:
Docketing 18.00
Service 13.50
Affidavit .00
Surcharge 10.00 R. Thomas Kline
Postage .42
41.92 02/05/2009
GATES HALBRUNER HATCH
Sworn and Subscibed to By:
before me this day Deputy Sheriff
of A.D.
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CV V
w)
Stephanie E. DiVittore, Esquire
John M. Coles, Esquire
RHOADS & SINON LLP
One South Market Square, 12th Floor
P.O. Box 1146
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1146
(717) 233-5731
Attorneys for Smith Land & Improvement Corp.
RICHARD L. RAUDABAUGH
d/b/a DRAPERY FABRICATIONS,
t/a DRAPERYLAND,
V.
Plaintiff
SMITH LAND & IMPROVEMENT CORP.,
Defendant
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
No. 09-502
CIVIL ACTION -- LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
PRAECIPE FOR ENTRY OF APPEARANCE
TO: Curtis Long, Prothonotary
Cumberland County Court of Common Pleas
1 Courthouse Square
Carlisle, PA 17013
Kindly enter the appearance of Stephanie E. DiVittore, John M. Coles and Rhoads & Sinon
LLP as counsel on behalf of Defendant Smith Land & Improvement Corporation in this action.
Respectfully submitted,
RHOADS & SINON LLP
By:
Stephanie E. DiVittore
John M. Coles
One South Market Square
P. O. Box 1146
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1146
(717) 233-5731
Attorneys for Smith Land
& Improvement Corporation
733027.1
•r
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that on this A(,Y` day of February, 2009, a true and correct copy of the
foregoing Praecipe for Entry of Appearance was served by means of United States mail, first
class, postage prepaid, upon the following:
Lowell R. Gates, Esquire
Gates, Halbruner, Hatch & Guise, P.C.
1013 Mumma Road, Suite 100
Lemoyne, PA 17043-1144
733027.1
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RICHARD L. RAUDABAUGH
d/b/a DRAPERY FABRICATIONS,
t/a DRAPERYLAND,
Plaintiff
V.
SMITH LAND & IMPROVEMENT CORP.,
Defendant
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
No. 09-502
CIVIL ACTION --LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
NOTICE TO PLEAD
To: Plaintiff Richard L. Radabaugh d/b/a Drapery
Fabrications t/a Draperyland
c/o Lowell R. Gates, Esquire
Gates, Halbruner, Hatch & Guise, P.C.
1013 Mumma Road, Suite 100
Lemoyne, PA 17043-1144
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED TO FILE A WRITTEN RESPONSE TO THE
ENCLOSED NEW MATTER WITHIN TWENTY (20) DAYS FROM SERVICE HEREOF OR
A JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU.
Respectfully submitted,
RHOADS & SINON LLP
By. l'?h v
Stephanie E. DiVittore
John M. Coles
One South Market Square
P.O. Box 1146
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1146
(717) 233-5731
Attorneys for Smith Land &
Improvement Corporation
Stephanie E. DiVittore, Esquire
John M. Coles, Esquire
RHOADS & SINON LLP
One South Market Square, 12th Floor
P.O. Box 1146
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1146
(717) 233-5731
Attorneys for Smith Land & Improvement Corp.
RICHARD L. RAUDABAUGH
d/b/a DRAPERY FABRICATIONS,
t/a DRAPERYLAND,
Plaintiff
V.
SMITH LAND & IMPROVEMENT CORP.,
Defendant
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
No. 09-502
CIVIL ACTION -- LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
ANSWER & NEW MATTER
NOW COMES Defendant Smith Land & Improvement Corporation ("Smith Land'),
through its attorneys, Rhoads & Sinon LLP, and files the following Answer and New Matter
stating as follows:
PARTIES
1. Admitted based on information and belief.
2. Admitted.
JURISDICTION
3. Denied. The allegations of Paragraph 3 are conclusions of law to which no
response is required. To the extent a response is deemed appropriate, the same are denied.
4. Denied. The allegations of Paragraph 4 are conclusions of law to which no
response is required. To the extent a response is deemed appropriate, the same are denied.
732944.1
FACTS
5. Denied. Smith Land is without information sufficient to form a belief as to the
truth or falsity of the allegations of Paragraph 5 and the same are thus specifically denied. Proof
of these allegations is demanded at time of trial in this matter.
6. Denied. Smith Land is without information sufficient to form a belief as to the
truth or falsity of the allegation in Paragraph 6 that he entered into a lease with Gerber Realty
Corporation to lease 1,081 square foot space within the building at 1004 Market Street, Lemoyne
and the same is thus specifically denied. Proof of this allegation is demanded at time of trial in
this matter. Further, the Lease Agreement attached as Exhibit A is a writing that speaks for
itself and any attempts to characterize or interpret the same are specifically denied.
7. Denied. The document attached as Exhibit A is a writing that speaks for itself and
any attempts to characterize or interpret the same are specifically denied.
8. Denied. The document attached as Exhibit A is a writing that speaks for itself and
any attempts to characterize or interpret the same are specifically denied.
9. Denied. The document attached as Exhibit A is a writing that speaks for itself and
any attempts to characterize or interpret the same are specifically denied.
10. Denied. Smith Land is without information sufficient to form a belief as to the
truth or falsity of the allegations of Paragraph 10 and the same are thus specifically denied.
Proof of these allegations is demanded at time of trial in this matter.
11. Denied. Smith Land is without information sufficient to form a belief as to the
truth or falsity of the allegations of Paragraph 11 and the same are thus specifically denied.
Proof of these allegations is demanded at time of trial in this matter.
-2-
12. Denied. Smith Land is without information sufficient to form a belief as to the
truth or falsity of the allegations of Paragraph 12 and the same are thus specifically denied.
Proof of these allegations is demanded at time of trial in this matter. Further, the document
attached as Exhibit B is a writing that speaks for itself and any attempts to characterize or
interpret the same are specifically denied.
13. Denied. The document attached as Exhibit B is a writing that speaks for itself and
any attempts to characterize or interpret the same are specifically denied.
14. Denied. It is specifically denied that the Lease and subsequent Addendum
allowed Plaintiff to continue to lease the premises in question for six years beyond the initial
lease term. Further, the document attached as Exhibit B is a writing that speaks for itself and any
attempts to characterize or interpret the same are specifically denied. By way of further
response, the Addendum did not in any way invalidate, void or otherwise nullify the provisions
of the Lease including, without limitation, Paragraph 29 of the Lease authorizing the Landlord or
Tenant to terminate the lease, for any reason, upon 90 days notice.
15. Admitted.
16. Admitted in part, denied in part. It is admitted that after purchasing the property,
Smith Land began working with tenants to obtain a schedule for the tenants to move from the
property in order for it to raze the building. It is specifically denied that Smith Land informed
Plaintiff on May 1, 2008, that he would have to vacate by August 31, 2008. By way of further
response, Smith Land made numerous attempts to work with Plaintiff to discuss Plaintiff's
vacating the premises, including assistance in relocating Plaintiff's business. Plaintiff refused to
cooperate with Smith Land and, as a result, on July 2, 2008, Smith Land, through its counsel,
-3-
forwarded a formal notice that it was terminating the lease, pursuant to Paragraph 29 thereof, and
Plaintiff would be required to vacate the premises within 90 days, on or before October 3, 2008.
17. Denied as stated. It is admitted that Plaintiff refused to voluntarily vacate the
property or otherwise cooperate with Smith Land. It is specifically denied that Smith Land
required Plaintiff to vacate the property on or before August 31, 2008. By way of further
response, pursuant to the July 2, 2008 Notice, Plaintiff was obligated to vacate the property on or
before October 3, 2008.
18. Denied as stated. It is admitted that Smith Land owns the real property on which
the West Shore Plaza is located. It is also admitted that Smith Land owns the real property on
which the L.B. Smith Ford Lincoln Mercury dealership, owned by L.B. Smith Ford Lincoln
Mercury, Inc., is located. It is admitted that these properties border, on the west side, the
Property at issue in this litigation. The remaining allegations of this Paragraph, including
Plaintiff's representations of Smith Land and "the family's affiliated companies" are specifically
denied.
19. Denied as stated. It is admitted that in 2008, L.B. Smith Central Lincoln
Mercury, owned by L.B. Smith Central Lincoln Mercury, Inc., and L.B. Smith Lincoln Mercury,
owned by L.B. Smith Lincoln Mercury, Inc. were consolidated into one operation on Market
Street in Lemoyne, owned by L.B. Smith Ford Lincoln Mercury, Inc. The remaining allegations
of this Paragraph, including Plaintiff's representations of Smith Land and "the family's affiliated
companies" are specifically denied.
20. Denied. The allegations of Paragraph 20 are specifically denied and proof thereof
is demanded at the time of trial in this matter.
-4-
21. Admitted in part, denied in part. It is admitted that Smith Land began work on
portions of the Property after its acquisition in 2008. It is specifically denied that work
performed by Smith Land caused noise, dirt, dust, traffic or parking problems for Plaintiff,
Plaintiff's business, Plaintiff's customer or any other tenant in the property. Specific proof of
these allegations is demanded at trial in this matter.
22. Admitted in part, denied in part. It is admitted that, in connection with work and
remediation performed by Smith Land on the property, it was necessary to dig up underground
fuel storage tanks that were previously located on the property. It is specifically denied that such
work caused any problems or otherwise interfered with Plaintiff's use of his leased space.
23. Denied as stated. It is admitted that after its acquisition, Smith Land utilized a
portion of the Property for parking vehicles. it is specifically denied that Smith Land's use of the
Property, for parking vehicles or otherwise, prevented Plaintiff's customers or potential
customers from seeing Plaintiff's business storefront or otherwise interfered with Plaintiff's
business.
24. Denied as stated. It is admitted that Smith Land, in performing renovations and
other work on the Property, removed a sign that contained information regarding Plaintiff's
business. It is specifically denied that this was Plaintiff's only business sign or advertisement or
that removal of the same interfered with the ability of Plaintiff's customers, or potential
customers.
25. Denied. The allegations of Paragraph 25 are specifically denied and proof thereof
is demanded at time of trial.
-5-
26. Denied. The allegations of Paragraph 26 are specifically denied and proof thereof
is demanded at time of trial.
27. Denied as stated. It is admitted that Smith Land issued a Notice pursuant to
Section 29 of the Lease Agreement terminating the Lease and directing that Plaintiff vacate the
property within 90 day, on or before October 3, 2008. It is specifically denied that Smith Land
acted improperly or without legal basis in so doing.
28. Denied. The allegations of Paragraph 28 are legal conclusions to which no
response is required. To the extent a response is deemed appropriate, the same are specifically
denied and proof thereof demanded at the time of trial.
29. Denied. The allegations of Paragraph 29 are legal conclusions to which no
response is required. To the extent a response is deemed appropriate, the same are specifically
denied and proof thereof demanded at the time of trial.
30. Denied as stated. It is admitted that, on or before August 31, 2008, Plaintiff
vacated the Property. It is specifically denied that Smith Land's work on, or use of, the Property
prevented Plaintiff from utilizing the property for his business or otherwise interfered with the
same. Further, it is specifically denied that Smith Land threatened demolition of the building.
Instead, in accordance with the July 2, 2008 Notice, Plaintiff was required to vacate the premises
on or before October 3, 2008.
COUNT I - BREACH OF CONTRACT
31. Smith Land's Answers to Paragraphs 1 through 30 above are incorporated herein
by reference.
-6-
32. Admitted. By way of further response, the Lease Agreement is a writing that
speaks for itself and any attempt by Plaintiff to interpret the same is specifically denied.
33. Denied as stated. It is admitted that Plaintiff made monthly rental payments as
required by the terms of the Lease Agreement from the date of Smith Land's purchase of the
property through the time Plaintiff vacated the property in August, 2008. The remaining
allegations of this Paragraph are specifically denied.
34. Admitted.
35. Denied. The allegations of Paragraph 35 are legal conclusions to which no
response is required. To the extent a response is deemed appropriate, the same are specifically
denied. By way of further response, on July 2, 2008, Smith Land, through its counsel, forwarded
a formal notice that it was terminating the lease, pursuant to Paragraph 29 thereof, and Plaintiff
would be required to vacate the premises within 90 days, on or before October 3, 2008. Such
action was within the scope of the Lease Agreement and did not violate Pennsylvania law.
36. Denied. It is specifically denied that Smith Land violated Plaintiff's rights in
issuing a Notice of Termination of the Lease Agreement. It is also specifically denied that
Plaintiff is entitled to damages as a result of the valid, lawful termination of the Lease
Agreement upon 90 days notice. As a result, the remaining allegations of this Paragraph are
specifically denied, and Plaintiff's requests for damages are properly rejected.
RELIEF
37. Denied. It is specifically denied that Plaintiff is entitled to damages or relief
where, as here, Smith Land lawfully and properly terminated the Lease Agreement upon 90 days
notice. As a result, Defendant Smith Land respectfully requests that this Court enter judgment in
-7-
its favor and against Plaintiff and further request that this Court award any other relief allowed
by law.
COUNT II - BREACH OF COVENANT OF QUIET ENJOYMENT
38. Smith Land's Answers to Paragraphs 1 through 37 above are incorporated herein
by reference.
39. Denied as stated. It is admitted that Plaintiff entered into a Lease Agreement with
prior owners of the Property. It is further admitted that Smith Land purchased the Property
subject to such Lease Agreement. The remaining allegations of this Paragraph are legal
conclusions to which no response is required. To the extent a response is deemed appropriate,
the same are specifically denied.
40. Denied. The allegations of Paragraph 40 are legal conclusions to which no
response is required. To the extent a response is deemed appropriate, the same are specifically
denied.
41. Denied. The allegations of Paragraph 41 are legal conclusions to which no
response is required. To the extent a response is deemed appropriate, the same are specifically
denied. By way of further response, it is specifically denied that Smith Land's activities on the
property interfered with Plaintiff's use thereof or otherwise hindered Plaintiff's business.
42. Denied. The allegations of Paragraph 42 are legal conclusions to which no
response is required. To the extent a response is deemed appropriate, the same are specifically
denied. By way of further response, Smith Land lawfully terminated the Lease upon 90 days
written notice as permitted by the terms thereof.
-8-
43. Denied. It is specifically denied that Smith Land violated Plaintiff's rights in
issuing a Notice of Termination of the Lease Agreement. It is also specifically denied that
Plaintiff is entitled to damages as a result of the valid, lawful termination of the Lease
Agreement upon 90 days notice. As a result, the remaining allegations of this Paragraph are
specifically denied, and Plaintiff's requests for damages are properly rejected.
44. Denied. It is specifically denied that Smith Land acted unlawfully, contrary to
Plaintiff's rights or otherwise in an extreme or outrageous manner. By way of further response,
Smith Land lawfully and properly terminated the Lease Agreement upon 90 days written notice,
rendering Plaintiff's claims in valid.
RELIEF
45. Denied. It is specifically denied that Plaintiff is entitled to damages or relief
where, as here, Smith Land lawfully and properly terminated the Lease Agreement upon 90 days
notice. It is further specifically denied that there is a basis for, or Plaintiff is entitled to, an award
of punitive damages. As a result, Defendant Smith Land respectfully requests that this Court
enter judgment in its favor and against Plaintiff and further request that this Court award any
other relief allowed by law.
COUNT III - TRESPASS
46. Smith Land's Answers to Paragraphs 1 through 45 above are incorporated herein
by reference.
47. Denied. The allegations of Paragraph 47 are conclusions of law to which no
response is required. To the extent a response is deemed necessary, the same are specifically
denied.
-9-
48. Denied. The allegations of Paragraph 48 are conclusions of law to which no
response is required. To the extent a response is deemed necessary, the same are specifically
denied.
49. Denied. It is specifically denied that Smith Land acted unlawfully, contrary to
Plaintiff's rights or otherwise in an extreme or outrageous manner. By way of further response,
Smith Land lawfully and properly terminated the Lease Agreement upon 90 days written notice,
rendering Plaintiffs claims in valid.
RELIEF
50. Denied. It is specifically denied that Plaintiff is entitled to damages or relief
where, as here, Smith Land lawfully and properly terminated the Lease Agreement upon 90 days
notice. It is further specifically denied that there is a basis for, or Plaintiff is entitled to, an award
of punitive damages. As a result, Defendant Smith Land respectfully requests that this Court
enter judgment in its favor and against Plaintiff and further request that this Court award any
other relief allowed by law.
WHEREFORE Defendant Smith Land & Improvement Corporation respectfully requests
that this Court enter judgment in its favor and against Plaintiff Richard L. Raudabaugh d/b/a
Drapery Fabrications t/a Draperyland and further request that this Court award any other relief
allowed by law.
NEW MATTER
51. Any damages sustained by the Plaintiff were as a direct result of Plaintiff's own
acts or omissions and/or as a result of the acts or omissions of third parties, including Plaintiff's
agent(s) or conditions which were beyond the control of Smith Land.
-10-
52. There is no causal connection between the damages sought by Plaintiff and any
conduct or omission by Smith Land.
53. Plaintiff's Complaint fails to state a cause of action upon which any relief may be
granted.
54. Plaintiff's claims are barred by waiver.
55. Plaintiff's claims are barred by estoppel.
56. Plaintiff's claims are barred by payment or offset.
57. Plaintiff's claims are barred by the statute of frauds.
58. Plaintiff's claims are barred by laches.
59. Plaintiff's claims are barred by the statute of limitations.
60. Plaintiff has not suffered any damages in this matter and to the extent that
Plaintiff can prove that it has suffered damages, it is solely as a result of his own actions or in-
actions or the actions or in-actions of third parties.
61. Plaintiff's claims against Smith Land are invalid and properly rejected where, as
here, Smith Land properly and lawfully forwarded a formal notice dated July 2, 2008, that it was
terminating the Lease, pursuant to Paragraph 29 thereof, and Plaintiff would be required to
vacate the premises within 90 days, on or before October 3, 2008.
-11-
WHEREFORE Defendant Smith Land & Improvement Corporation respectfully requests
that this Court enter judgment in its favor and against Plaintiff Richard L. Raudabaugh d/b/a
Drapery Fabrications t/a Draperyland and further requests that this Court award any other relief
allowed by law.
By:
Respectfully submitted,
RHOADS & SINON LLP
Stephanie E. DiVittore
John M. Coles
One South Market Square
P. O. Box 1146
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1146
(717) 233-5731
Attorneys for Smith Land
& Improvement Corporation
-12-
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IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS FOR
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
RICHARD L. RAUDABAUGH
d/b/a DRAPERY FABRICATIONS
t/a DRAPERYLAND,
Plaintiff
CASE NO. 2009-502
V. ;
SMITH LAND & IMPROVEMENT CORP. CIVIL ACTION - LAW
Defendant
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
PLAINTIFF'S REPLY TO NEW MATTER
AND NOW, comes the Plaintiff, Richard L. Raudabaugh, d/b/a Drapery
Fabrications, t/a Draperyland, by and through his attorneys, Gates, Halbruner, Hatch &
Guise, P.C. and files this Reply to New Matter, and avers as follows:
51. Denied. The damages Plaintiff sustained were the direct result of
Defendant's actions.
52. Denied. See reply to paragraph 51.
53. Denied as a legal conclusion.
54. Denied as a legal conclusion.
55. Denied as a legal conclusion.
56. Denied as a legal conclusion.
57. Denied as a legal conclusion.
58. Denied as a legal conclusion.
59. Denied as a legal conclusion.
S. •1
60. Denied. See reply to paragraph 51.
61. Denied. Defendant improperly and unlawfully attempted to terminate the
Lease as the purchaser of the Property was required to give notice under paragraph fifteen
(15) of the lease and Defendant did not have the option of termination upon ninety (90)
days notice.
Wherefore, Plaintiff respectfully requests this Court grant to Plaintiff the
requested relief against Defendant for breach of contract, breach of the covenant of quiet
enjoyment and trespass.
Respectfully
March 3, 2009
PA 44779
Gates, Esquire
Sar E. McCarroll
PA 1102
Gates, Halbruner, Hatch & Guise, P.C.
1013 Mumma Road, Suite 100
Lemoyne, PA 17043-1144
Phone: (717) 731-9600
2
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS FOR
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
RICHARD L. RAUDABAUGH
d/b/a DRAPERY FABRICATIONS, INC.
t/a DRAPERYLAND,
Plaintiff
CASE NO. 2009-502
V.
SMITH LAND & IMPROVEMENT CORP. CIVIL ACTION - LAW
Defendant
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
VERIFICATION
I, Richard L. Raudabaugh, hereby verify that the statements made in the foregoing
Reply to New Matter are true and correct to the best of my information, knowledge and
belief. I understand that false statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18
Pa.C.S. Section 4904, relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
Date: ,3/10/067 Richard L. Raudabaugh, PlaintiffQ
s- 44
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS FOR
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
RICHARD L. RAUDABAUGH
d/b/a DRAPERY FABRICATIONS
t/a DRAPERYLAND,
Plaintiff
V.
SMITH LAND & IMPROVEMENT CORP.
Defendant
CASE NO. 2009-502
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that on this day I served a true and correct copy of the Plaintiff's
Reply to New Matter upon the following by way of the United States postal service, first
class, postage prepaid:
Stephanie DeVittore
Rhoads & Sinon, LLP
One South Market Square, 12`x' Floor
PO Box 1146
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1146
717-233-5731
Attorney for Defendant
March 10, 2009
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R. Gates, Esquire
PA 6779
Sar E. McCarroll
PA 1102
Gates, Halbruner, Hatch & Guise, P.C.
1013 Mumma Road, Suite 100
Lemoyne, PA 17043-1144
Phone: (717) 731-9600
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RICHARD L. RAUDABAUGH IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
d/b/a DRAPERY FABRICATIONS CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
t/a DRAPERYLAND,
Plaintiff CIVIL ACTION -LAW
NO. 09-502 CIVIL
vs.
SMITH LAND & IMPROVEMENT
CORP.,
Defendant JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
IN RE: DEFENDANT'S MOTION TO COMPEL AND STRIKE OBJECTIONS
ORDER
AND NOW, this /~' day of August, 2009, argument on the above-captioned
motion to enforce subpoena set for August 6, 2009, is continued to Thursday, September 3, 2009,
at 2:00 p.m. in Courtroom Number 4, Cumberland County Courthouse, Carlisle, PA.
BY THE COURT,
/~owell Gates, Esquire
Sarah McCarroll, Esquire
For the Plaintiff
~iCephanie E. DiVittore, Esquire r
For the Defendant y
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RICHARD L. RAUDABAUGH
d/b/a DRAPERY
FABRICATIONS t/a
DRAPERYLAND,
Plaintiff
v .
SMITH LAND &
IMPROVEMENT CORP.,
Defendant
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NO. 2009-502
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
IN RE: MOTION TO COMPEL
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW, this 3rd day of September, 2009, this
matter having been called for argument, the motion of the
defendant to compel and/or strike objections is granted in
part as follows:
1) The plaintiff shall produce all the Schedules C
for his tax returns from the year 2004 forward.
2) The plaintiff shall provide to the defendant an
itemization of any and all special damages which are sought
in this case.
3) The defendant is authorized to re-propound its
requests for production of documents Nos. 14 and 19 in light
of information revealed by counsel for the plaintiff this
date.
The remainder of the motion to compel and/or
strike objections is denied, counsel having represented that
she cannot identify the names of any specific persons
alluded to in the response to interrogatories 18 and 19
who would have observed the matters in interrogatories 18
and 19. The court notes the duty of counsel to immediately
disclose the identity of such persons should their identity
be ascertained by the plaintiff.
NO. 2009-502
By the Court,
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Kevir,~ Hess, J.
rah E. McCarroll, Esquire
For Plaintiff
~tephanie E. DiVittore, Esquire
For Defendant
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IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
RICHARD L. RAUDABAUGH
d/b/a DRAPERY FABRICATIONS
t/a DRAPERY LAND
Plaintiff,
V.
SMITH LAND & IMPROVEMENT
CORP.
Defendant.
Case No. 2009-502
CIVIL ACTION-LAW
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PRAECIPE FOR ENTRY OF APPEARANCE
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Kindly enter the appearance of Alicia A. Blankenship, Esq., and Gates,
Halbruner, Hatch & Guise, P.C. on behalf of Plaintiff, Richard L. Raudabaugh d/b/a
Drapery Fabrications t/a Drapery Land, in the above-captioned matter.
Respectfully Submitted,
Date: March 5 2012
Alicia A. Blankenship, Esq.
PA ID #309898
Gates, Halbruner, Hatch & Guise, P.C.
1013 Mumma Road, Suite 100
Lemoyne, PA 17043
Phone: 717.731.9600
Facsimile: 717.731.9627
a.blankenship@gateslawfinn.com
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cc: Richard L. Raudabaugh
Stephanie E. DiVittore
RICHARD L. RAUDABAUGH IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
d/b/a DRAPERY FABRICATIONS CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
t/a DRAPERYLAND,
Plaintiff CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NO. 09-502 CIVIL
vs.
SMITH LAND & IMPROVEMENT :
CORP.,
Defendant JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
IN RE: PLAINTIFF'S MOTION TO COMPEL ANSWERS TO INTERROGATORIES
ORDER
AND NOW, this / Z day of March, 2012, argument on the above-captioned
motion to compel is set for Wednesday, April 4, 2012, at 9:30 a.m. in Courtroom Number 4,
Cumberland County Courthouse, Carlisle, PA.
BY THE COURT,
Alicia Blankenship, Esquire
Lowell Gates, Esquire
For the Plaintiff
V Stephanie E. DiVittore, Esquire
For the Defendant
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Stephanie E. DiVittore., Esquire
John M. Coles, Esquire
RHOADS & SINON LLP
One South Market Square, 12th Floor
P.O. Box 1146
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1146
(717) 233-5731
Attorneys for Smith Land &
Improvement Corp.
RICHARD L. RAUDABAUGH
d/b/a DRAPERY FABRICATIONS,
t/a DRAPERYLAND,
Plaintiff
V.
SMITH LAND & IMPROVEMENT CORP.,
Defendant
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IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
No. 09-502
CIVIL ACTION --LAW
: JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
DEFENDANT'S RESPONSE TO PLAINTIFF'S MOTION TO COMPEL
NOW COMES Defendant Smith Land & Improvement Corporation ("Smith Land"), by
its attorneys, Rhoads & Sinon LLP and submits this Response to the Motion to Compel filed on
behalf of Plaintiff Richard Raudabaugh d/b/a Drapery Fabrications t/a/ Draperyland ("Plaintiff')
and in support thereof states as follows:
1. Admitted.
2. Admitted.
3. Admitted.
4. Admitted in part, denied in part. It is admitted that Plaintiff's counsel forwarded a
letter dated December 2, 2010 requesting that Smith Land answer Plaintiff's Interrogatories 6, 7,
10 and 11. It is specifically denied that Smith Land did not, in its original responses to Plaintiff's
843788.1
Interrogatories, answer Nos. 10 and 11. Specifically, Smith Land raised specific objections to
Interrogatory Nos. 10 and 11, but then proceeded, notwithstanding the objections, to answer the
same. Interrogatory No. 10 requested the names of individuals believed to have knowledge of
facts in this matter, and the response identifies Richard E. Jordan II and Richard E. Jordan III,
explaining these individuals have knowledge concerning the purchase and operations of the
property at issue and Smith Land's defenses to Plaintiff's claims. Interrogatory No. 11 requested
the names of individuals Smith Land intends to call as witnesses in this case. The responses
indicate, notwithstanding the specific and general objections, that Smith Land has not yet
determined who it will call as fact witnesses, we reserve the right to call individuals identified
through discovery and will supplement this response when such determination has been made.
5. Denied as stated. It is admitted that Plaintiff's counsel forwarded additional
correspondence regarding Interrogatory Nos. 6, 7, 10 and 11. It is specifically denied that Smith
Land's objections to Interrogatory Nos. 6, 7, 10 and 11 are improper. It is also specifically
denied that Smith Land failed to answer Interrogatory Nos. 10 and 11. By way of further
response, as set forth in Paragraph 4 above, despite its specific objections, Smith Land fully and
completely answered Interrogatory Nos. 10 and 11.
6. Admitted in part, denied in part. It is admitted that Plaintiff's Interrogatory Nos.
6 and 7 seek information regarding other tenants on the property at issue. It is specifically
denied that such information is relevant to the current dispute or that it will assist in discovery in
this case. By way of further response, Plaintiff's Complaint concerns a lease for real property
located at 1004 Market Street, Lemoyne, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania at which Plaintiff
operated a drapery business/store. After Smith Land purchased the real property at issue, it
notified Plaintiff that it would be razing the building and issued a notice to vacate. The
Complaint maintains that Smith Land's activities on the property, and razing of the same,
constituted improper eviction and breach of the lease agreement. The Complaint contains three
counts - breach of contract, breach of the covenant of quiet enjoyment and trespass. These
counts are unique to Plaintiff and his business operations. There is no claim for discrimination,
disparate treatment or other legal theory that would render the neighboring tenants and their
arrangements with Smith Land relevant or otherwise implicate this information in this case. As a
result, Smith Land defends its objections to Interrogatory Nos. 6 and 7 as seeking the discovery
of confidential and proprietary information with no relevant whatsoever to an alleged breach of a
lease between Plaintiff and Smith Land.
7. Denied. For the reasons set forth in Paragraph 6 above, this Paragraph is
specifically denied.
8. The allegations of Paragraph 8 constitute legal conclusions to which no response
is required. To the extent a response is deemed appropriate, the same are expressly denied.
9. The allegations of Paragraph 9 constitute legal conclusions to which no response
is required. To the extent a response is deemed appropriate, the same are expressly denied.
10. Denied as stated. It is admitted that Smith Land lodged specific objections to
Interrogatory Nos. 10 and 11, but then fully answered the same. Even if this Court were to
compel Smith Land to answer these interrogatories, Smith Land has no further information at
this time to provide. It is also admitted that Smith Land specifically objected to Interrogatory
Nos. 6 and 7 and, based on these objections, declined to answer the same. By way of further
response, it is specifically denied that Interrogatory Nos. 6 and 7 seek information relevant or
pertinent to this litigation, but instead see proprietary and confidential information irrelevant to
Plaintiff's breach of contract claim.
WHEREFORE Smith Land & Improvement Corporation respectfully requests that this
Court issue an Order denying Plaintiff's Motion to Compel.
By:
Respectfully Submitted,
RHOADS & SINON LLP
Stephanie E. DiVittore, Esquire
Attorney I.D. No. 85906
sdivittore(a)rhoads-sinon. com
John M. Coles, Esquire
Attorney I.D. No. 86398
j co les@,rhoads-sinon. com
One South Market Square
P. O. Box 1146
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1146
(717) 233-5731
Attorneys for Smith Land &
Improvement Corp.
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that on this Tsf- day of March, 2012, a true and correct copy of the
foregoing "Defendant's Response to Plaintiff's Motion to Compel" was served by United States
mail, first class, postage prepaid, upon the following:
Alicia Blankenship, Esquire
Gates, Halbruner, Hatch & Guise, P.C.
1013 Mumma Road, Suite 100
Lemoyne, PA 17043
Dara Whistler
RICHARD L. RAUDABAUGH IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
d/b/a DRAPERY FABRICATIONS CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
t/a DRAPERYLAND,
Plaintiff CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NO. 09-502 CIVIL
vs.
SMITH LAND & IMPROVEMENT :
CORP., :
Defendant JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
IN RE: PLAINTIFF'S MOTION TO COMPEL ANSWERS TO INTERROGATORIES
ORDER
AND NOW, this 4' day of April, 2012, at the request of counsel for the plaintiff
and with the concurrence of counsel for the defendant argument on the above-captioned motion
set for April 4, 2012, is continued to Thursday, April 19, at 2:00 p.m. in Courtroom Number 4,
Cumberland County Courthouse, Carlisle, PA.
BY THE COURT,
? Alicia Blankenship, Esquire
For the Plaintiff
Stephanie E. DiVittore, Esquire
For the Defendant
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A. Hess, J.
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RICHARD L. RAUDABAUGH IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
d/b/a DRAPERY FABRICATIONS CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
t/a DRAPERYLAND,
Plaintiff CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NO. 09-502 CIVIL
vs.
SMITH LAND & IMPROVEMENT :
CORP.,
Defendant JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
IN RE: PLAINTIFF'S MOTION TO COMPEL ANSWER TO INTERROGATORIES
ORDER
AND NOW, this 2-7 4 day of April, 2012, upon consideration of the Plaintiff's
Motion to Compel Defendant's Answer to Interrogatories, dated March 5, 2012, Plaintiff's
Motion is GRANTED in part and the :Defendant is ordered to answer Plaintiff's Interrogatory 6.
BY THE COURT,
Kevin A. ess, J.
a? Alicia Blankenship, Esquire
Lowell R. Gates, Esquire c {
For the Plaintiff mfw
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Esquire
Stephanie E. DiVittore M v
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For the Defendant 0
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