A trial date is set for the annexation of areas 1A and 1B on Bloomington’s southwest side. Judge Nathan Nikirk scheduled a five-day bench trial beginning April 29 of next year.
Areas 1A and 1B are challenging the city’s annexation ordinances from 2021. Petitioners in those areas reached more than 51 percent of remonstration signatures needed to appeal the annexation in court.
The other five areas reached the more than 65 percent threshold to void annexation. But those areas are being challenged by the city in other litigation claiming a 2019 state law about remonstrance validity is unconstitutional.
Pushing City Limits: Bloomington Annexation Coverage
Mayor John Hamilton has said he believes an oral argument could happen in that case this year but won’t be decided for a while.
The city is waiving any defense concerning the constitutionality of the 2019 law to continue the appeal case.
“We began an orderly annexation effort nearly seven years ago, and after unconstitutional blockages and frustrating delays, including in this remonstrance case that began 19 months ago, we appreciate the chance finally to get to trial to resolve the issues.” Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton
“After a lot of legal wrangling, the City’s attorneys dropped constitutional claims against 1A and 1B (only) in order to proceed to trial on 1A and 1B’s hard fought victory earning their right to a judicial review. Meanwhile, a hearing is to be set and take place in another court on or before December 10th on the constitutional claims raised by the City on the waiver issue. In general, we are in a process of legal maneuvering.” County Residents Against Annexation President Margaret Clements
