DETROIT (Legal Newsline) – Several entities and individuals have filed a lawsuit over alleged racketeering activity regarding Detroit's sign ordinance.
Lotus Industries LLC, doing business as Centre Park Bar; Christopher Williams; Robert Davis; and A Felon's Crusade for Equality, Honesty and Truth filed a complaint on Oct. 25 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, Southern Division against city of Detroit, Dennis Archer Jr., Ignition Media, Total Outdoor and Ruth Johnson seeking declaratory judgment and injunctive relief.
According to the complaint, Archer and Total Outdoor have violated Detroit's sign ordinance by selling signage on the side of buildings downtown, which is prevented by an ordinance. They also allege that Archer has retaliated against Lotus and Williams by engaging in a campaign to evict Lotus from Centre Park Bar after comments made in a media article.
The plaintiffs request a trial by jury, seek judgment declaring that Archer conspired with the city of Detroit and others and retaliated against Lotus and Williams, judgment against defendants for damages, declaratory and injunctive relief, attorney's fees and costs, and any further relief the court deems appropriate. They are represented by Andrew A. Paterson of Paterson Law Offices in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, Southern Division Case number 17-C-13482