SCRANTON - The company that posted advertisements on the side of a Scranton warehouse after it was needlessly demolished in 2023 is suing the City in federal court.
Joyce Outdoor Advertising Wallscapes, LLC filed a lawsuit May 13 in federal court against the City of Scranton and Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti, alleging violations of constitutional rights under the First, Fourth, Fifth, and Fourteenth amendments.
The plaintiff claims that its leasehold interest and personal property were destroyed when the city demolished a warehouse to which their billboards were affixed. The warehouse was located at West Linden St. and 8th Ave. in Scranton.
Despite having a legal interest in the property and efforts to resolve issues with the city, Joyce Outdoor Advertising contends it was not given proper notice or an opportunity to appeal the demolition order.
The lawsuit details a series of events leading up to the demolition, including failed negotiations and alleged discriminatory practices by the city. The plaintiff seeks damages for lost ad revenue amounting to approximately $2.3 million over multiple lease terms.
Joseph Joyce III and Jennifer Menichini of Joyce, Carmody & Moran represent the plaintiff.