Business ProfileforLocust Development Ltd

Gov. Action
On November 6, 2013 Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez announced that she has filed a lawsuit under the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Practices Act and the Illinois Home Repair and Remodeling Act against Locust Development, Ltd. d/b/a Urban Kitchen and Bath Design Group, Steven Rutstein, individually and as agent of Locust Development, Ltd. d/b/a Urban Kitchen and Bath Design Group.

Alvarez alleges that Steven Rutstein, who is the President and the owner/operator of Locust Development, Ltd. d/b/a Urban Kitchen and Bath Design Group known as "The Defendants" did not possess a license, issued by the City of Chicago to conduct a home repair business in the City of Chicago.

Alvarez alleges that the Defendants did not obtain and maintain in full force and effect public liability and property damage insurance during the operation of a home repair and remodeling business in Illinois. At all times relevant, Defendants operated under the unregistered assumed names of "Urban Kitchens", or "Urban Kitchen LLC," when in fact, the Defendants were authorized and registered to conduct business under the corporate name "Locust Development, Ltd.," or under the corporate assumed name, "Urban Kitchen and Bath Design Group."

Alvarez also alleges that The Defendants entered into an agreement involving $25 or more for home repair and remodeling services while physically present at the residence of a consumer. The Defendant provided a consumer with a written contract that did not include, at the time of execution, a statutory "Notice of Cancellation."

Alvarez alleges The Defendant did not orally notify a consumer of the right to cancel the contract within three days of the time of execution. The Defendant did not provide a copy of a "Home Repair: Know your Consumer Rights' pamphlet and an acknowledgement form, prior to the execution of a home repair and remodeling contract over $1,000.00. The Defendants also accepted payments from a consumer on a contract for home repair but failed to commence or complete the agreed upon services.

Alvarez also alleges The Defendants did not provide a refund to a consumer who paid for home repair services that the Defendants failed to commerce or complete under contract. The Defendants failed to honor a valid notice of cancellation by a consumer within 10 business days after receipt of the notice to refund all payments made under contract.

Alvarez is seeking preliminary and permanently enjoining the Defendant from further violating the Home Repair and Remodeling Act, including but not limited to sections 15 and 20(a) of the Act. Preliminarily and permanently enjoining the Defendant and his agents, employees, and representatives, from conducting a home repair and remodeling business. Requiring the Defendant to pay restitution to members of the public damaged by the Defendant's violation of the Home Repair and Remodeling Act. Assessing against the Defendant a $50,000.00 civil penalty, and costs for the persecution and investigation of this action.