A trial in the Bloomington annexation case will not happen in mid-November as previously scheduled.
Remonstrators in Areas 1-A and 1-B had asked a judge to delay their court date because of unsettled constitutional litigation begun by the City of Bloomington.
Read more: Group asking judge to delay annexation hearing on remonstration
Two years ago, city council members approved seven areas for annexation by the city. Five of those areas successfully voided the annexation through remonstration efforts.
Areas 1-A and 1-B were not able to void annexation but did reach the threshold to appeal in court.
The city’s lawsuit claims the remonstration efforts were unconstitutional.
Opponents said the court should wait for that case to be resolved before holding the remonstration trial, because a favorable ruling for the city would render the remonstration case moot.
The judge decided they were right. County Residents Against Annexation president Margaret Clements said she feels humbled by the judge’s actions.
“We’re just overall very thankful that the judge was a careful judge and we respect his decision,” Clements said. “We appreciate the careful consideration the judge gave this complicated issue.”
Clements said the judicial process is grueling. The legal review is at the residents’ expense, and although it is daunting, her group is trying to gain public support through donations.
“We’re awaiting the outcome of the constitutional challenges and then we will be ready to pick back up if the decision goes against the city,” Clements said. “We will be ready to pick back up and fight for 1-A and 1-B’s right to judicial review.”
A Dec. 10 hearing has been set for the city’s motion for summary judgment.
