The City of Youngstown is denying liability in a formal response in federal court to a lawsuit over the demolition of the former ITAM social hall on South Meridian Road. Armadillo Development sued the city after the building at 113 S. Meridian Road was torn down in September.

The city is asking a judge to dismiss the case. Attorneys for the city admit that former Fire Chief Barry Finley and Code Enforcement Superintendent Michael Durkin were acting in their official roles when the building was ordered down. The city also admits that local laws allow the fire chief to order immediate demolitions without first telling property owners.

However, the city denies that it violated any constitutional rights. In the court filing, the city listed 14 different reasons why it should not be held responsible for the developer's financial losses.

The city argues that the developer failed to minimize its own damages and did not use all available legal steps before filing the suit. The response also claims that any harm to the property was caused by the developer's own actions or by other people not involved in the city government.

According to the city, the demolition was done to protect the health and safety of the public. The city also claims it has legal immunity from such lawsuits because it is a local government.

The developer previously claimed the building was safe and that $200,000 had been spent on repairs. The city denies those specific claims for lack of information.

U.S. District Court Judge Benita Pearson is overseeing the case. Both sides have asked for the matter to be decided by a jury.

A meeting between those involved is scheduled for February 4.