Chesco judge hears Phoenixville eminent domain arguments

“Common Pleas Court Judge Jacqueline Carroll Cody’s decision on whether the Phoenixville Area School District acted properly in its Nov. 14 decision to acquire the property through eminent domain will likely take at least a week.

“I think (Friday’s hearing) reaffirms my faith in the judicial system,” said the school district’s executive director of operations, Stan Johnson. “I’m confident (Cody) will come up with a fair and balanced decision.”

Johnson and Young both were called for testimony by their respective lawyers in the case.

Young and Bruce Campbell form CY (pronounced “sigh”) Group, which owns 50 percent of the shares of Meadow Brook and filed objections against the eminent domain decision. A previous court hearing was held in March.

Arguments centered mainly around whether the Meadow Brook site, referred to as being 50.1 acres, is larger than what the district actually needs to build its desired early learning center and elementary school. The combined building is designed to replace the Kindergarten Center and East Pikeland Elementary School in response to overcrowding.”

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Otto, Frank. Daily Local News 18 May 2014.