Judge Affirms decision
Ruling for Wendy Clark Stands
Yesterday, Judge Hay upheld his January decision that voided the City's approvals for the proposed Parker resort. The judge granted requests by the City of Galena and the property owner, David Hooten of Wheaton, IL, to allow for the land to remain annexed into the City. But he denied their central request -- to reinstate the City's approvals of the resort and the re-zoning of the property from agricultural to commercial.
We can share more information if necessary once Wendy Clark and her attorney have had a chance to review the decision more thoroughly. But as of now, it is important to note that the City Council has spent over $140,000 in attorney fees to fight Wendy Clark in court -- and lose. For many of you, that is especially painful, as you have given generously to support the lawsuit in addition to seeing your tax dollars wasted.
We now wait to see what the City and Mr. Hooten do next. Either one or both can decide to appeal the decision to a higher court. Mr. Hooten and his architect, Mr. Baranski, can decide to start the process all over again by resubmitting an application for the Parker to the Zoning Board. Or they can stop this ill-conceived proposal and stop wasting everybody's time and money.
Thank you for all you have done to make this victory possible and for working to make Galena's government more responsive. Please continue to let Council members and the Mayor know how you feel about this entire debacle!
