City publishes new tax-delinquent list

In an ongoing effort to collect debt, the city yesterday published an updated list of business tax delinquents, identifying 69 new businesses that owe the city a total of $5.7 million.

Among the top delinquents is Delilah Winder, a well-known food vendor and former restaurant owner, who owes about $1.5 million, according to the newly published list of judgments. Also on the list are business partners Stuart Harting and Lance Silver, who ran Katmandu, a now closed nightclub on Columbus Boulevard. They owe about $250,000.

Contacted yesterday afternoon, Winder said the taxes stem from Bluezette, 246 Market St., which closed three years ago. "I've been working with the city and making payments, and that amount is not correct. It's been proven by an accountant. That's really all I can say. I opened a company and it didn't work. Life goes on."

The city has collected about $3 million since it began publishing lists as part of its effort to collect delinquent business taxes. In all, the city has about $53 million in judgments against 246 businesses. - Marcia Gelbart and Michael Klein