Co-founders of firm leading Joplin redevelopment resign

JOPLIN, Mo. -- The co-founders of a Texas-based contractor hired to lead Joplin's tornado recovery have announced their resignations after the firm vacated its offices without notice.

The city said in a news release that it received an email Monday from Wallace Bajjali Development Partners' president, Costa Bajjali, confirming he had resigned as of Friday. The email also included a copy of chief executive officer David Wallace's resignation letter, which was dated Jan. 7.

The city said in a release that it was unaware of the resignations until receiving the email.

The city says it is reviewing options for its contract with the firm.

Wallace Bajjali was hired in 2012 after presenting a plan for $800 million in redevelopment projects. The city says the firm was paid about $1.68 million.