Man says burger joint portrayed unfairly

COLUMBUS, Ind. (WISH) - The owner of Scotty's Burger Joint said he's being portrayed unfairly by the Columbus Redevelopment Commission, our partners at the Republic report. 

Mert Shipman says they are making him out as the bad guy refusing to pay utility bills in an ongoing financial dispute.

The commission voted Monday to pay $21,021 of the $25,521 Shipman says he's still owed for extra construction costs of the restaurant.

The commission says they want Shipman to pay $28,762.44 for unpaid electric, water and sewer bills, and reassign his lease to the redevelopment commission. Furthermore, he must do both within 15 days or his lease will be terminated.

The CDI is a private company created under the previous mayoral administration to act on behalf of the public redevelopment commission. The Republic reports the CDI acquired property, negotiated agreements and signed leases but used taxpayer money out of public view.