A judge has blocked an effort to stop the demolition of the Rock Island County courthouse.
Fourteenth Circuit Court Judge James Conway dismissed a complaint filed by Italo Milani of Rock Island. In October, the local architect asked the court to decide whether it's legal for the Rock Island County Public Building Commission to spend construction funds on demolition.
In his order, the judge says Milani did not show that he has legal standing to sue as a private party. In addition, Conway says Milani does not claim any injury will result from the defendants' actions.
The basis for Conway's decision appears to be an Illinois law that limits "indiscriminate filings" of lawsuits to cause or prevent the spending of public funds.
The judge also says the proper way to sue as a taxpayer requires petitioning the court for "Leave to file a Taxpayer Suit."
Last week, Judge Conway scheduled a hearing for this week to announce his decision. But that hearing has been cancelled.
Separately, the parties had agreed to set up a meeting with the Illinois DNR's State Historic Preservation Office.
The office notified them it has revoked its previous approval of the new annex project.
The four courtrooms and offices opened earlier this month.
12/18/2018 4:45 pm - Added details from the court order
