Map of annexation areas. https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1_7o1q_H6CpeK-1gdEzDTxnPk84RZQ_E&usp=sharing

The trial on the merits of Bloomington’s plan to annex two areas on the west and southwest sides of the city has now completed two days worth of testimony.

Every day this week is scheduled for the trial. The pace so far looks like it’s slower than expected. It  could be a challenge to complete the trial by the end of the week.

About the prospect that not all the witnesses on both sides might get their turn by the end of the day on Friday, judge Nathan Nikirk on Tuesday afternoon made clear that he is not keen to “bifurcate” the proceedings. He told the legal teams for both sides to be ready to come into court on Saturday to finish things off, if that’s what it takes.

On Monday, opening arguments were given on both sides, with Andrew McNeil of the Bose McKinney & Evans law firm making the presentation for the city of Bloomington, and William Beggs of Bunger & Robertson representing the remonstrators.

The proceeding is a judicial review, which was forced by remonstrators, when they achieved the threshold of at least 51 percent of landowner signatures in Area 1A and Area 1B, but fell short of the 65 percent that would have stopped Bloomington’s annexation outright. Continue reading “Bloomington annexation trial a slog in first 2 days, judge warns he could require Saturday session” →