On East Side, even Mickey D’s proves elusive

In 2007, Richard Bassett obtained a loan to build a McDonald’s-gas-station combination at the corner of 55th and Prospect. Two years later, the project remains incomplete.

The unfinished development stands out. It’s visible from Bruce R. Watkins Drive. And, for a time at least, it was an active construction site in a part of town commercial developers tend to avoid.

Bassett says he’s committed to the project. But the delay has caused problems. Court records indicate that several contractors and suppliers have filed mechanics’ liens.

Bassett blames the halts on his old bank.