Well folks, we have excellent news to share. Johnny may have seen his last day in the courtroom!
On September 23rd the Judge heard testimony from Johnny about what he has personally endured over the last 2 years while battling AAA. She also heard from Doug Selby about why rebuilding hasn’t been able to proceed through the protracted court battle and slow payments from AAA. In the end, she made a determination awarding a finite $79K for alternate living expenses covering the time period of October 1, 2023 – April 10, 2025.
A portion of the award, $40K, covers expenses associated with making the schoolhouse habitable, including putting in a drinking well. This amount is relatively low only because Johnny’s good friend, John Newmeyer (and others), donated all of his building time, found decent used appliances, and procured building materials at cost. While Johnny’s home will not be rebuilt by April 2025, the award will allow some months of reprieve during the long winter.
This order is not a final order, however, and is subject to appeal or additional negotiation. Three items remain open – landscaping, building codes, and alternate structures. The judge recommended addressing the costs for these items via arbitration with the assigned Umpire or simply via negotiation between the interested parties. The latter option is obviously preferred and is what we expect to occur. In that case, the amount Johnny receives will likely change. Notwithstanding this final step, Johnny is relieved that this phase of the process is close to being over.
Rebuild Progress
The site has now been prepped and next steps are underway for demolition! We are currently obtaining proper permitting and figuring out the best and safest way to bring down the building. After that we’ll know exactly what is needed to design the correct structure and can start lining up the various trades. It’s a celebration!
On the horizon
Save the Speakeasy has applied for 501(c)3 status. If approved, this will grant STS tax-free status and render all donations tax-deductible for donors. We hope to receive a letter of confirmation before the end of the year.
This new status will give us a much-needed boost for future fundraising efforts. The funds awarded to Johnny are earmarked to cover the costs of rebuilding his home. Additional support will be needed to restore Johnny’s Speakeasy. We will have more information forthcoming as restoration plans and cost estimates are determined.
Continued Thanks
Over this year long battle you all have provided support in myriad ways. We would not have reached this point without you. We remain ever grateful for your monetary donations, gifts of music, venue space, and technical and promotional support for our benefit concerts, media coverage, supplies, physical labor, and so much more.
As you know, we are not finished. But we see the path forward and will get there.
Thank you for working together with us to bring Johnny home and save the Speakeasy!