Zoldan sues Ice Zone partner in wake of foreclosure notice

BOARDMAN

Bruce J. Zoldan, co-owner of the Ice Zone, has filed a lawsuit in the Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas against his business partner, Thomas E. Hutch, for monetary damages and breach of contract.

The complaint alleges Hutch failed to pay his part.

William A. Weimer, vice president of the B.J. Alan Co. and general counsel, wouldn’t comment on the lawsuit except to say: “We will let the facts speak for themselves” in the complaint.

Hutch, of Poland, could not be reached for comment.

Zoldan’s lawsuit comes a day after PNC Bank filed a foreclosure complaint against Zoldan, who is also the president and CEO of the B.J. Alan Co, known for its Phantom Fireworks, and co-owner of the Youngstown Phantoms hockey team; Hutch; and the Ice Zone.

The Ice Zone property, under Ice Zone Realty Ltd., is valued at about $1.8 million, and the land, under the Zoldan Hutch Land Partnership, is valued at $196,080, according to the Mahoning County Auditor’s website.

The bank’s complaint filed Tuesday claims Zoldan and Hutch are in default on the balance of a $2,826,475 promissory note and nearly $1.8 million is owed on the facility, located at 360 McClurg Road and on vacant land on McClurg.

Zoldan said there is no plan to close the Ice Zone and he hopes all is resolved in court.

Read more about the legal problems in Thursday's Vindicator or on vindy.com.