Sep 15, 2017 2 min read

The owner of a South Main Street restaurant in Washington filed suit in Washington County Court this week against a nonprofit organization over a parking lot dispute.

The suit initiated by Joseph Pintola Enterprises names as defendant TRPIL, which was founded as Tri-County Patriots for Independent Living, but recently changed its name to Transitional Paths to Independent Living.

The organizaton is renovating the former YWCA building on West Maiden Street as its new headquarters.

Pintola, owner of Hungry Jose’s restaurant, sold various adjacent properties to the nonprofit for $200,000 in April 2012, after entering into an agreement that said his business would have access to 10 parking spaces during certain days and hours.

Pintola claims TRPIL, “without proper or reasonable notice, and without permission,” erected a fence that prevents access to both restaurant deliveries and the parking spaces.

According to the suit, TRPIL maintains the fence was necessary because of its construction and renovation project at the former YWCA, but Pintola said the organization continues to deny access or accommodate Pintola Enterprises, which is seeking more than $50,000 damages, costs and attorneys’ fees.

Kathleen Kleinmann, TRPIL chief executive officer, could not be reached for comment Wednesday afternoon or Friday at the organization’s offices at 69 E. Beau St.