News Summary
Mountain Top Marine, a family-run boat dealership in Lexington, SC, is at risk of closing after suffering severe inventory damage due to a recent road improvement project. Over 60 boats were affected by debris and asphalt from the construction, leading to significant revenue loss for the dealership, which has been a community fixture for over 16 years. The owners, Sean and Summer Deese, feel unsupported in resolving the situation despite filing an insurance claim and facing ongoing uncertainty with the contractors involved. Community support is growing as the couple navigates this challenging situation.
Lexington, SC – The family-operated boat dealership, Mountain Top Marine, is facing closure after suffering significant damage to its inventory, resulting from a recent road improvement project. This damage has led to considerable revenue loss for the business, which has been a staple in the community for over 16 years.
During the roadwork, more than 60 boats situated at the dealership were adversely affected by debris and asphalt. The incident occurred just days before the situation was publicly reported on April 29. The road project, which focuses on asphalt rehabilitation and drainage improvements, spans from Northside Baptist Church to S.C. 6, leaving the nearby business vulnerable to collateral damage.
Sean Deese, who co-owns Mountain Top Marine with his wife, Summer, stated that he was unaware of the roadwork until it was too late. The lack of notice was particularly frustrating, as the construction took place directly outside their business doors. Communication with the contractors involved – Blythe, the main contractor, and Griffin Contracting, its subcontractor – has been minimal, leaving the couple uncertain about their rights and options moving forward.
As a direct result of the damage, Sean and Summer Deese have decided to list their 5.5-acre property for sale. The thick black coating from the asphalt work has negatively impacted approximately 90% of the boats’ upholstery, carpets, and seating. Currently, the dealership is only generating profit from boat services, a situation that is not sustainable during typically slow business months. This limited income further complicates their financial stability.
In an attempt to resolve the issue, Sean Deese has filed a claim with his insurance company, and an adjustor has already assessed the damages. However, communications with the contractors have not yielded any constructive responses, leading to growing frustration for the Deeses. They are concerned about the ongoing uncertainty and the lack of support from the contractors’ insurance providers.
The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) has confirmed that they will deny the claim filed by Mountain Top Marine and has referred the matter back to the contractors. In reaction to the claim, SCDOT has also initiated its own investigation into the situation where customers have reported significant losses, placing the blame on the contractors involved in the road improvement project.
Despite the turmoil, the Deeses are committed to fighting for justice and support in recovering from the devastating situation. Both Sean and Summer expressed that they feel “stuck in purgatory,” illustrating the uncertainty that now cloud their business’s future amid ongoing discussions with contractor parties and their respective insurers.
In summary, Mountain Top Marine’s operational viability has been severely compromised due to the damage from the nearby road improvement project. As the Deeses navigate their way through the repercussions of this unfortunate incident, the local community has begun to show support for the long-standing establishment. The couple hopes for some resolution, as they grapple with an uncertain future while the investigation by SCDOT takes shape.
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Additional Resources
- WIS TV: Lexington Small Business Plans to Shut Down
- Google Search: Lexington SC road construction damage
- The State: Local News Article
- Wikipedia: Construction
- Columbia Business Report: Manufacturer to Enter SC Market
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Business
- Greenville Business Magazine: Techo Bloc Selects Lexington County
- Google Scholar: Lexington SC business
- Lexington County Sheriff: News Release
- Google News: Lexington SC small business
Author: STAFF HERE NEWBERRY
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