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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-0598SAFE HARBOUR INC., Plaintiff V. PARA TWO CORPORATION, Defendant IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA : CIVIL ACTION // :No. 09- N 0 T I C E 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 or 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 of 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 Bedford Street Carlisle, PA 17013 (717) 249-3166 SAFE HARBOUR INC., Plaintiff V. PARA TWO CORPORATION, Defendant IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA CIVIL ACTION No. 09- S99 C,t _ / e COMPLAINT The Plaintiff, Safe Harbour Inc. is a non-profit corporation organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, with its primary offices located at 120 West High Street, Carlisle, PA 17013 2. The Defendant, Para Two Corporation is a corporation organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, with its primary offices formerly at 200 N. Third Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101. Its current office and location are unknown. 3. Defendant, Para Two Corporation is the registered owner of all that certain lot of ground situate in the Borough of Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, bounded and described as follows: On the North by Church Avenue; on the East by property formerly of Para Two Corporation, now of Safe Harbour Inc.; on the South by property now or formerly of George Williamson, et al; and on the West by property now or formerly of Reuben Ettinger. Containing Fifteen (15) feet, more or less, in front on Church Avenue, and extending at an even width to a depth of 120 feet to the properties on the South. (Recorded in Deed Book W, Volume 22, Page 423) 4. Said Property was issued the tax Parcel ID 04-21-0320-087 and is commonly known as 132 West Church Avenue and used in conjunction with the adjacent lot commonly known as 130 West Church Avenue as a parking lot owned and maintained by Safe Harbour Inc. 5. Defendant, Para Two Corporation purchased the James Wilson Hotel (located at 120 West High Street in Carlisle) and 130 West Church Avenue in one deed dated March 7, 1967, as recorded in Deed Book X, Volume 34, Page 926. 6. On July 30th 1968, Para Two Corporation purchased the lot in question (132 West Church Avenue) and used the two adjoining lots for parking. 7. On June 7, 1977 Para Two Corporation transferred the James Wilson Hotel and 130 West Church Avenue to the James Wilson Partnership, as; recorded in Deed Book F, Volume 27, Page 203. 8. For reasons unclear, 132 West Church Avenue was not conveyed to the James Wilson Partnership. Plaintiffs believe this was an error of omission and the parties intended to convey both properties that make up the parking lot. 9. In 1978, the James Wilson Partnership transferred ownership of the hotel to the Cumberland County Industrial Development Authority but retained ownership of 130 West Church Avenue, as recorded in Deed Book Q, Volume 27, Page 368. 10. The James Wilson Partnership conveyed 130 West Church Avenue to the Cumberland Coalition for Shelter, a former entity of Safe Harbour Inc., in 1987 as recorded in Deed Book S, Volume 32, Page 233. 11. The Cumberland Coalition for Shelter purchased the James Wilson Hotel from the Cumberland County Industrial Development Authority for $1.00 in 1991 as recorded in Deed Book X, Volume 34 Page 926. 12. At all times since the Defendant, Para Two Corporation, purchased the properties located at 130 and 132 West Church Avenue the owners have utilized the properties as a single parking lot. 13. The Plaintiff, Safe Harbour Inc. has paid all real estate taxes on both 130 West Church Avenue and 132 West Church Avenue since 1987. 14. On September 2, 2008, Safe Harbour Inc. believing it was the lawful owner of 132 West Church Avenue requested and was granted tax exemption status for real estate taxes as issued in a decision by the Cumberland County Board of Assessment Appeals. (see Exhibit 1) 15. It is believed that Para Two Corporation is no longer an existing corporation as evidenced through returned mail sent via the United States Postal Service (see Exhibit 2), and the lack of records of such corporation held by the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue (see Exhibit 3). 16. All efforts to locate the former officers of Para Two Corporation via telephone directories and Internet sources have failed. 17. It is averred by the Plaintiff, Safe Harbour Inc., that Para Two Corporation intended to convey the property located at 132 West Church Street when the Defendant conveyed 130 West Church Street and that Defendant, Para Two Corporation no longer exists to state a claim to the property. WHEREFORE, the Plaintiff, Safe Harbour Inc., request the Court to order that the defendant be forever barred from asserting any right, lien, title or interest in the land inconsistent with the claim of the plaintiff unless the defendant takes such action as the court directs within 30 days. Furthermore, the Plaintiff, Safe Harbour Inc. requests the court to direct the execution of a new deed entitling Safe Harbour Inc. as the lawful owner of said property, in the Recorder of Deeds Office for Cumberland County. Respectfully Submitted, to Brian O. Williams, Esquire Turo Law Offices 28 South Pitt Street Carlisle, PA 17013 Supreme Court I.D. No. 209610 (717) 245-9688 VERIFICATION I verify that the statements made in the foregoing Quiet Action Complaint are true and correct. I understand that false statements herein made are subject to the penalties of Pa.C.S. §4904 relating to unsworn falsification to authorities. -4110 ? 1, le'O t eW W- ? t Date Wendell Hollinger Executive Director Cumb,edand County Boa 6d f Assessment Appeals Old Courthouse One Courthouse Square (717) 240-6350 Carlisle, PA 17013 (717) 240-6354 (fax) Board of Assessment Appeals BONNIE M. MAHONEY Lloyd W. Bucher Chief Assessor R. Fred Hefelfinger Sarah Hughes STEPHEN D. TILEY. Assistant Solicitor DECISION ORDER MAILING DATE: September 2, 2008 PARCEL NUMBER: 04-21-0320-087. PARA TWO CORPORATION SAFE HARBOUR WENDELL HOLLINGER 102 WEST HIGH STREET CARLISLE PA 17013 Dear Property Owner: This letter is to officially notify you of the decision of the Cumberland County Board of Assessment Appeals regarding the above-referenced parcel. DATE OF APPEAL HEARING: 08/28/2008 DATE DECISION RENDERED: 09/02/2008 EFFECTIVE FOR TAX YEAR: 2008 DECISION RENDERED: [ ] Withdrawn By Applicant [ J Abandoned For Failure To Appear [ ] Denied - No Change [ ] Approved Review Appraiser's Changes [ ] Revised Assessment Based on Hearing [X] Other: EXEMPTION GRANTED TOTAL VALUE FAIR MARKET CLEAN AND GREEN CLEAN AND GREEN STATUS Old Assessed Value: 5,000 New Assessed Value: 0 NOT APPLICABLE Any person aggrieved by the order of the Board of Assessment may appeal to the Court of Common Pleas by filing a petition in the Prothonotary's office on or before October 2, 2008. EXHIBIT s i N N O 0 O ^O W O O EXNIBIT ?a lei V Nv O O A A' r V rr D r4 ` 0 rA r r n n! ro -A -al IN O p W OD DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE BUREAU OF COMPLIANCE LIEN SECTION PO BOX 280948 HARRISBURG PA 17128-0948 Request of TURO LAW OFFICES 28 SOUTH PITT ST CARLISLE PA 17013 LIEN CERTIFICATE for a Lien Certificate under Section 213 of the Act of April 9, 1929, (P.L. 343, No. 176) as amended L0009315 REV-I93 d (11-87) DOCMC<M> THIS CERTIFICATE IS A TRUE AND CORRECT STATEMENT OF CORPORATE TAX LIENS OF RECORD IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE, AGAINST PARA TWO CORPRATION SETTLEMENT/ ASSESSMENT DATE TAX YEAR TYPE OF TAX AMOUNT NO RECORD COMPANY NOT LISTED UNDER TITLE STAT D NOTE: INTEREST CHARGES ARE SETTLED/ASSESSED ON UNPAID TAXES AT TIME OF PAYMENT OR ASSESSMENT OF CORP TAX. The Commonwealth reserves the right to make collection of any additional amount of Corporate Net Income Tax which may arise as a result of changes made by the Federal Government. CERTIFICATE INCLUDES TRANSACTIONS AS OF EXHIBIT Please direct all inquiries to the above address, ATTN: Lien Section or telephone (717) 787-3911 ext. 3. y TDD # 1-800-447-3020 (Services for Special Hearing and Speaking Needs Only). - 3 C? '69 c d ? C7 { ?C V4J rJt'r1 SHERIFF'S RETURN - OUT OF COUNTY CASE NO: 2009-00598 P COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA: COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND SAFE HARBOUR INC VS PARA TWO CORPORATION R. Thomas Kline Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff who being duly sworn according to law, says, that he made a diligent search and and inquiry for the within named DEFENDANT to wit: PARA TWO CORPORATION but was unable to locate Them in his bailiwick. He therefore deputized the sheriff of DAUPHIN County, Pennsylvania, to serve the within COMPLAINT & NOTICE On February 23rd , 2009 , this office was in rece?pt of the attached return from DAUPHIN Sheriff's Costs: Docketing Out of County Surcharge DEPUTIZE DAUPHIN NOT FOUND RETURN 18.00 9.00 10.00 41.25 5.00 So answers• R. Thomas Kline Sheriff of Cumberland' County C7J . G J 00/00/0000 TURO LAW OFFICE Sworn and subscribe to before me this day of A. D. r >. ?? 't 9Z 2aj 60 02 In The Court of Common Pleas of Cumberland. County, Penlnsylvahia' Safe BarbourVInc Para Two Corporation No. 2009-558 Civil . , I, SHERIFF OF CUMBERLAND 'COUNTY, PA, do Now, 2/9/Q-9 hereby deputize the Sheriff of Dauphin County to execute this Writ, this deputation being made at the request and risk of the Plaintiff. Sheriff of Cumberland County, PA Affidavit of .Service Now, , 20 , at o'clock M. served the by handing to a and made known to So answers, Sheriff of Sworn and subscribed before me this day of , 20- copy of the original the contents thereof. COSTS SERVICE MILEAGE AFFIDAVIT County, PA (Ptli'tt Of thesherfrf Mar JEaneD.P. der William T. Tully Solicitor Dauphin County Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17101 ph: (717) 790-6590 fax: (717) 255-2889 Jack Lotwick Sheriff Commonwealth of Pennsylvania County of Dauphin SAFE HARBOR INC. VS PARA TWO CORPOR Sheriffs Return No. 2009-T-0345 OTHER COUNTY NO. 2009598 Sheaffer W. Rinehart t Chief Deputy I, Jack Lotwick, Sheriff of the County of Dauphin, State of Pennsylvania, do hereby certify and return, that I made diligent search and inquiry for PARA TWO CORPO TION the DEFENDANT named in the within COMPLAINT TO QUIET TITLE and that I am unable to find him/her in the County of Dauphin, and therefore return same NOT FEBRUARY 17, 2009. DEFT NOT KNOWN AT THIS ADDRESS So Answers, Sworn and subscribed to p before me this 18TH day of February, 2009 J? Sheriff of Dauphin Coun , Pa By NOTARIAL SEAL Deputy Sheriff F JANE SNYDER, Notary Publi ighspire, Dauphin County Deputy: R HOPKINS mmission Expires t 1 ,2010 Sheriffs Costs: $41.25 2/13 2009 SAFE HARBOUR INC., Plaintiff V. PARA TWO CORPORATION, Defendant IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA CIVIL ACTION No. 09-0598 MOTION FOR SERVICE BY PUBLICATION 1. On February 5, 2009, the Plaintiff, Safe Harbour Inc. filed a complaint to quiet title against Defendant concerning real property located at 132 West Church Street, Carlisle, PA 17013. 2. The Plaintiff has attempted to contact Defendant at its address of record, 200 N. Third Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101, according to the Pennsylvania Department of State, Corporation Bureau, but the mail was returned by the U.S. Postal Service. 3. The Sheriff of Cumberland County, through the Office of the Sheriff of Dauphin County attempted to effect personal service upon the Defendant but reported that he was unable to find Defendant. 4. Although the Pennsylvania Department of State certified that Para Two Corp. was duly incorporated and remains a subsisting corporation according to its records on November 24, 2008, it continues to report a registered office address of 200 N. Third Street, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. 5. The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, to whom the Defendant should be paying annual corporate taxes, reported that there is no record of such a company in its Lien Certificate dated December 24, 2008. 6. There is no listing for Para Two Corporation in local telephone directories and all attempts to locate a listing using on-line computer services have been unsuccessful. 7. The Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure, specifically Pa.R.C.P. § 430 (a), permits the Court to allow the Plaintiff to effect service by publishing a notice in the legal publication and a newspaper of general circulation within the County, such notice to conform to the requirements of Pa. R.C.P. § 430 (b)(1). WHEREFORE, the Plaintiff, Safe Harbour Inc., requests this honorable Court to issue a special order permitting Plaintiff to effect service by placing a notice in the Cumberland Law Journal and a newspaper of general circulation as required by Pa.R.C.P. § 430. 4 n Date Respectfully Submitted, es M. Ro nson, Esquire o Law O ices 28 South Pitt Street Carlisle, PA 17013 (717) 245-9688 Supreme Court I.D. No. 84133 F?LEU-tt????E OF THE F?s Tl-.,, IIN TAPY 200^ AS'R -9 Ail Vii. 2 C V?'.',:!. ^ tT s SAFE HARBOUR INC., Plaintiff V. PARA TWO CORPORATION, Defendant IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA CIVIL ACTION No. 09-0598 AMENDED MOTION FOR SERVICE BY PUBLICATION 1. On February 5, 2009, the Plaintiff, Safe Harbour Inc. filed a complaint to quiet title against Defendant concerning real property located at 132 West Church Street, Carlisle, PA 17013. 2. The Plaintiff has attempted to contact Defendant at its address of record, 200 N. Third Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101, according to the Pennsylvania Department of State, Corporation Bureau, but the mail was returned by the U.S. Postal Service. 3. The Sheriff of Cumberland County, through the Office of the Sheriff of Dauphin County attempted to effect personal service upon the Defendant but reported that he was unable to find Defendant. 4. Although the Pennsylvania Department of State certified that Para Two Corp. was duly incorporated and remains a subsisting corporation according to its records on November 24, 2008, it continues to report a registered office address of 200 N. Third Street, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. 5. The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, to whom the Defendant should be paying annual corporate taxes, reported that there is no record of such a company in its Lien Certificate dated December 24, 2008. 6. There is no listing for Para Two Corporation in local telephone directories and all attempts to locate a listing using on-line computer services have been unsuccessful. 7. The Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure, specifically Pa.R.C.P. § 430 (a), permits the Court to allow the Plaintiff to effect service by publishing a notice in the legal publication and a newspaper of general circulation within the County, such notice to conform to the requirements of Pa. R.C.P. § 430 (b)(1). 8. No judge has ruled on this or any related issue concerning this matter. 9. Because the Plaintiff has been unable to locate the Defendant, he is unable to determine if there is opposing counsel and has, therefore, been unable to contact same. WHEREFORE, the Plaintiff, Safe Harbour Inc., requests this honorable Court to issue a special order permitting Plaintiff to effect service by placing a notice in the Cumberland Law Journal and a newspaper of general circulation as required by Pa.R.C.P. § 430. Respectfully Submitted, )1,j5- Pq Date on, Esquire s J Wes A Ro t o Law Offi s 28 South Pitt Street Carlisle, PA 17013 (717) 245-9688 Supreme Court I.D. No. 84133 OF THE RR^ "` ?GNOTAAY 2009 APR 15 AVi 1.33 CUM L w 1 i.WF F _ ,% SAFE HARBOUR INC., Plaintiff IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA V. PARA TWO CORPORATION, Defendant CIVIL ACTION No. 09-0598 AFFIDAVIT PURSUANT TO RULE 430 I, James M. Robinson, Esquire, attorney for the Plaintiff, Safe Harbour, Inc., hereby certify that I have attempted, through the actions outlined below, to find the Defendant, Para Two Corporation, and to have a true and correct copy of the Action to Quiet Title served upon said Defendant. 1. The Pennsylvania Department of State certified that Para Two Corporation was duly incorporated and remained a subsisting corporation on November 24, 2008, and reported a registered office address of 200 N. Third Street, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. I visited this location but was unable to find an office for the Defendant nor any individual that had previously heard of Para Two Corporation. 2. Mail sent to Para Two Corporation at the registered address of 200 N. Third Street, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania was returned by the United States Postal Service, who reported that it has no forwarding address for Defendant. 3. The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, to whom the Defendant should be paying annual corporate taxes, reported that it had no record of Para Two Corporation in its Lien Certificate dated December 24, 2008. 4. The Sheriff of Cumberland County, through the Office of the Sheriff of Dauphin County, attempted to effect personal service upon the Defendant but reported that it was unable to locate Defendant. 5. The Plaintiff has made an exhaustive search of local telephone directories and on-line computer services and has been unable to locate a telephone number or any information for Para Two Corporation. L~' to file Articles of Dissolution with the Pennsylvania Department of State. TURO LAW OFFICES s/s/o9 Date Plaintiff believes that Para Two Corporation ceased to exist years ago but failec J s M. Rob' son, Esquire 2 outh Pitt treet Carlisle, PA 7013 (717) 245-9688 Supreme Court I.D. No. 84133 F I- I HvFa e _g OF 1) TWWIrAPY RAY -5 1: l 1 COUNTY MANA SAFE HARBOUR INC., Plaintiff IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA V. PARA TWO CORPORATION, Defendant CIVIL ACTION No. 09-0598 AFFIDAVIT PURSUANT TO RULE 430 COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND : SS I, James M. Robinson, Esquire, attorney for the Plaintiff, Safe Harbour, Inc., do depose and say that I have attempted, through the actions outlined below, to find the Defendant, Para Two Corporation, and to have a true and correct copy of the Action to Quiet Title served upon said Defendant. 1. The Pennsylvania Department of State certified that Para Two Corporation was duly incorporated and remained a subsisting corporation on November 24, 2008, and reported a registered office address of 200 N. Third Street, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. I visited this location but was unable to find an office for the Defendant nor any individual that had previously heard of Para Two Corporation. 2. 1 sent first-class, postage prepaid mail to Para Two Corporation at the registered address of 200 N. Third Street, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania which mail was returned by the United States Postal Service, who reported that it has no forwarding address for Defendant. 3. The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, to whom the Defendant should be paying annual corporate taxes, reported that it had no record of Para Two Corporation in its Lien Certificate dated December 24, 2008. 4. The Sheriff of Cumberland County, through the Office of the Sheriff of Dauphin County, attempted to effect personal service upon the Defendant but reported that it was unable to locate Defendant. 5. The Plaintiff and I have made an exhaustive search of local telephone directories and on-line computer services and have been unable to locate a telephone number or any information for Para Two Corporation. The Plaintiff and I believe that Para Two Corporation ceased to exist years ago but failed to file Articles of Dissolution with the Pennsylvania Department of State. S ? D Date Ja M. Robi on, Esquire T LAW OFFICES 28 outh Pitt Street Carlisle, PA 17013 (717) 245-9688 Supreme Court I.D. No. 84133 Sworn or affirmed and subscribed before me by James M. Robinson, Esquire, this Qth day of May, 2009. m n &?,Q Notary P lic nni,pi tvAKTHgE vN L NoMW 8eM TnW Lyn She% MANY ROO a Ie, Bono. cwftwbm courk My Cann Wm 29.2012 Member. Penneyly" Ag OMW of NOUM a OF THE pFn,, THIONOTARY 2009 MAY -7 AM 9: 2 ! ???B?{ out R 41T'Y tY::Jw• lt..l ?w. 'i„t I PENNSYL.V,WA SAFE HARBOUR, INC., IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF Plaintiff CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA V. CIVIL ACTION - LAW PARA TWO CORPORATION : Defendant : NO. 09-0598 CIVIL TERM IN RE: AMENDED MOTION FOR SERVICE BY PUBLICATION AND NOW, this 14th day of May, 2009, upon consideration of Plaintiff's Amended Motion for Service by Publication and of the Affidavit Pursuant to Rule 430 filed by Plaintiff's counsel, the motion is granted to the extent that service of original process in this case may be made upon Defendant by (a) regular mail to Defendant's registered office, (b) certified mail to Defendant's registered office, return receipt requested, and (c) publication once in the Cumberland Law Journal, a newspaper of general circulation in Cumberland County, and a newspaper of general circulation in Dauphin County. SERVICE OF further papers in the case may be made by regular mail to Defendant's registered office, except as otherwise required by statute. SERVICE as authorized herein by mail, certified or regular, shall be deemed complete upon mailing. J VJames M. Robinson, Esq. Turo Law Offices 28 South Pitt Street Carlisle, PA 17013 Attorney for Plaintiff (20 rri7,l tccL ?Y BY THE COURT, 1 1, '-.f I 9 6 :? j '_l , `I W 6 002