Defendants in the Jumer's Crossing court case want the City of Rock Island to pay their attorneys' fees. This morning, Judge Lori Lefstein heard arguments from the Big Island River Conservancy District, Village of Milan, four Rock Island residents, and others. She also heard from attorneys representing the City of Rock Island.
In August, Judge Lefstein ruled against the city and blocked its attempt to "take" control of easements held by the conservancy district and Milan. They're the local owners of the levee that protects homes and businesses from flooding on Big Island and in the village.
John Doak represents the four homeowners who live on Big Island and are also residents of Rock Island. Besides asking for attorneys' fees, he also asked the judge to sanction Rock Island's lawyers.
Jeff Lang, from Lane and Waterman, is one of Rock Island's attorneys. He declined an interview after today's hearing. But in court, Lang told the judge the list of abuses is baseless and offensive.
Milan and the Big Island River Conservancy District are asking for a total of nearly 133,000 dollars in attorneys fees and costs. Judge Lefstein "took the matter under advisement."
Rock Island wants to build a road off I-92 for a proposed commercial development called "Jumer's Crossing" at Highway 92 and Interstate 2-80.
