Judge rules for Monroe County in Main St. eminent domain
“Pike County Judge Gregory Chelak struck down objections by the building’s owners, Grist Mills, for the county to seize the property by eminent domain.
Chelak rejected Grist Mills’ arguments that the taking was not in the best interests of the county. Chelak was assigned the case over a Monroe County judge to avoid any perceptions of subjectivity.
Attorneys for the county and Grist Mills argued during a hearing in July about whether the county’s eminent domain claim over the property was lawful.
Robert Eyer, attorney for the building’s owner, argued at the time there was no need for the county to assert the claim over the building. He also said that the county abused its discretion in its claim and disputed the county’s assertion that Grist bought the property from under its feet.”
Frank, Howard. Pocono Record 17 October 2013.