Lakeland Contractor Says City Of Mulberry Is Wrong About Building's Erosion Danger

MULBERRY | A Lakeland contractor who's working to remedy lakeside erosion behind four townhouses in Mulberry is disputing the city's assessment that the building poses a danger to anyone living there. Michael Schmidt, owner of Lyon Engineering and Construction in Lakeland, said he's challenging the city's hard-line approach to the issue, including a moratorium on utility service for new residents until the erosion issues are resolved. City Manager Rick Johnson said his concern lies with the people who live in the building at 181 Diesel Road. "I turned away a potential renter (who was seeking water and wastewater service) a couple months back," he said.