Monday’s public hearing into the Arlington Drive affordable housing issue began with Mayor Nolan Crouse questioning whether the city could proceed with the hearing given that a group of Akinsdale residents filed a lawsuit against the city last week, seeking to stall the process.
The city’s lawyer Charlotte St. Dennis said there was no reason to delay.
“The statements made in that document are just allegations and haven’t been proven in court,” she said. “No court order of any type has been issued.”
“There is no reason why those matters cannot be dealt with by council this evening,” she said.
After the meeting, resident Gerald Kress, who is one of the 14 complainants listed in the suit, complained that council ignored the fact that there was a statement of claim filed and proceeded to hold an improper vote.
“I think what the proper thing to do would have been to postpone the vote until such time as that court case was heard,” Kress said.
