07/07/2021
I would like to give everyone an update. First of all, I want to say thank you for all the support that I received following the loss of my father. It was truly amazing and humbling.
The process has not been quick for getting the Rink back open. There were several factors that played a part in that.
One factor was the Bank Loan. The issue here was the rink is part of a larger estate or land around the rink that includes a shop, apartment and the hillside with a house on top. The rink was going to be sold to me separate from the larger estate, I needed to have a survey done of the land the estate holders were willing to part with so I could could give that to the bank so I could get the appraisal completed for the loan amount required for purchase. I had met with all parties involved either in person or via phone and on good faith we had a deal on a price they would all accept. I was told in person what land it would include, but nothing official to take to the bank for review. I had received all the necessary financial statements from the rinks CPA, Which came just a few weeks ago in the mail after several requests. Again the banks needed this information for loan pourposes.
Another factor was that my grandfathers estate was in probate due to someone challenging his will. This did not allowed for the sale of the rink or any part of his estate until this had been resolved in the courts. Note: As of 4 weeks ago, this was still the case and I have not been made aware otherwise.
For total transparency sake, I received a letter from a lawyer of the heirs of my grandfathers estate saying to cease communication with all parties and they are no longer considering my offer. They claim they have given me 8 months to purchase the rink and they have other offers they are going to take. I was completely blindsided by this action as the Rink could not be sold during this time.
Being able to secure a loan for the amount agreed upon would not have been difficult and was already approved once when my father applied, but I was not able to use his application as some of the parameters had changed. Although it changed, it still would have apprased for the amount asked for.
As far as money raised through fund raisers, go fund me, and other forms. Some was used to support the efforts of traveling back and forth to meet with Bank Lenders and Other associated costs and expenses. The remaining amount will be donated to a local charity as promised.
I am completely destroyed by this. I don’t want to post the letter, although if I did, I feel like it would go viral. To be the best law firm in Ashland, well… I will leave it at that.
I feel like I have let this community down and I apologize for that. As far as what is to come of the rink, I do not know.
Again, I just want to be totally transparent.
Thanks for everything and the years of memories I will cherish forever.
