UTICA, N.Y. -- Contractor, John Sullivan Jr., has filed a $216,938 lien against Utica's Irish Cultural Center, bringing the total liens against the building to approximately $340,000. Center developer, Vaughn Lang, says the document is not as troubling, or binding, as it might seem.

"Just because it's filed for that amount doesn't mean that amount is due," said Lang. "The amount owing is in controversy. It's a typical thing for the amount owing that's in controversy."

Lang expects to dispute the amount of Sullivan's lien, in New York State Supreme Court.

"It doesn't bother me that some contractor or any contractor files a mechanics lien because I'm so used to this. I deal with it all the time as an attorney," he said.

Sherman Construction previously filed a mechanics lien on the property, notifying the Center that roughly $67,000 is still owed.

Sen. Joseph Griffo, and others, continue to work to clarify issues that are holding up a $1 million state grant for the Irish Cultural Center; issues similar to the ones that temporarily paused the Center's liquor license, which have to do with configuration of the building in conjunction with the serving of alcohol.

The liquor license issues have been rectified and the Center's liquor license is once again active.