Multiple Legal Fronts Open Up Over Jackson Lab Proposal
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- Published on Saturday, 20 November 2010 00:35
So far, most of the work created by the proposed Jackson Lab project seems to be going to lawyers.
There currently are at least three legal actions relating to the project, which faces a deadline of March 1 for the start of construction to receive promised funding from the State of Florida.
The Collier Board of County Commissioners has initiated two of the proceedings. One is a required request for legal approval by a Florida state court that if the county were to issue $130 million in general revenue bonds to fund its share of the project, the bonds would serve a "valid public purpose." That request has drawn at least one opposing intervention by three county citizens. No date has yet been set for the hearing, and whenever a decision is rendered it can be appealed.
The second legal action taken by the commissioners is to seek a decision by an arbitrator on whether a necessary zoning change to accommodate the Jackson Lab project requires approval of a "super majority" of four of the five commissioners, or whether a 3-2 vote would be sufficient.
In yet a third legal action, the Naples medical device manufacturer Arthrex has filed a lawsuit to void the county commissioners' move to hire an arbitrator. The arbitration hearing - if it proceeds - is scheduled for early December so that the decision would be made before the commissioners' Dec. 14 meeting.
See related stories:
Naples Daily News - Collier asks judge to allow issuance of bonds for Jackson Lab project
Naples Daily News - Arthrex sues Collier County over Jackson Lab arbitrator issue
Ave Herald - Key Jackson Lab matter to be decided by arbitrator