Wilson Yard Lawsuit Thrown Out
By Marcus Gilmer in News on May 14, 2009 6:00PM
Saying the Fix Wilson Yard community group waited too long to file, Judge Mary Rochford dismissed their lawsuit against the City of Chicago challenging the TIF that financed the Wilson Yard project. The ordinance for the TIF passed in 2001 but the group didn't file suit until December 2008, a period of time that was far too long, according to Judge Rochford. The controversial Wilson Yard project set aside $52 million for the development of commercial spaces, such as a Target store, and mixed-income housing. But the swelling cost as well as the shift in focus from commercial spaces to residential spaces is the impetus behind the Fix Wilson Yard group's ire.
The blog Uptown Update - who, if you remember, was actually one of two blogs subpoenaed in the case - has the complete ruling. Crain's, meanwhile, has the essential quote from Judge Rochford: “TIF financing is a rational means of achieving the city’s legitimate interest in revitalization and development." The Fix Wilson Yard folks, however, aren't going away. Said their attorney Thomas Ramsdell of Chicago-based Ramsdell & Hind, to Crain's, “We disagree with her ruling (and) are weighing our options." And the folks at FWY are having a fundraiser this Saturday [PDF].
[h/t to Gapers Block]