MOLINE, Illinois (KWQC) – On Tuesday about 40 people are expected to gather outside Moline City Hall to advocate for Indigo Wellness Studios.
Indigo has been in business for 16 years and is one of the first yoga establishments to open on the Illinois side of the Quad Cities.
In 2019, the owners say they got some reconstruction done on the building, shortly after they discovered several issues that appeared to exist before they purchased the building.
The problems included no fresh air ventilation and what engineers call, sick building syndrome, they said.
“It is a public safety concern, our hopes are that someone is going to finally accept that yes this is not right, this should not have happened to these people, this building should not have passed city inspection, were hoping that someone is going to take responsibility, and fix it, and fix it, and pay to fix it, so we can get back to our community,” Owners Shannon Moran and Abby Webster-Moran said.
The owners say they’re not getting any help from city officials.
The issues in the building have progressed so much, they say its unsafe to conduct business, causing them to close their doors back in July.
Bob Vitas, the Moline City Administrator, provided TV6 with a response:
“Moline city and elected officials have been aware of the issues raised by the owners of Indigo Wellness since late summer or early autumn of 2021. The city has been in regular contact with the Morans on the issue and has investigated their liability claims.
We understand their frustration and the financial burden the situation has caused them and sympathize. After significant evaluation and communication with experts as well as legal staff, the City has been advised that it has fulfilled all its inspection responsibilities and bears no liability for this unfortunate situation.
However, the City remains available to assist in any appropriate way. The City has asked the Morans to feel free to contact City Administrator Bob Vitas to schedule a meeting to explore options with the goal of reopening Indigo Wellness in Moline. We recognize Indigo Wellness as a valuable business in Moline and wish to see them continue and prosper here.”
The owners say they’ve been picking up other jobs just to make ends meet since closing.
Tuesday, they plan to gather with their supporters outside of city hall during the city council meeting at 6pm.
There will be public comment during the meeting as well.
Copyright 2022 KWQC. All rights reserved.