Rhatican Obtains Final Judgment in Condemnation Case Involving Local Airport

Roseland, NJ, January 24, 2008 – James P. Rhatican recently obtained final judgment in a heavily contested and publicized condemnation action. A municipality, represented by Connell Foley, sought to condemn several hundred acres of open space surrounding a small general aviation airport. The owners of the land challenged the legality of the condemnation, and the court permitted the property owners to engage in discovery. After a year of discovery, both parties moved for summary judgment on the issue of the municipality’s right to condemn the property. The property owners raised complex issues relating to aviation and transportation needs. The court denied the property owners’ motion and granted the municipality’s motion, finding that the municipality did have the power to condemn the property. The matter is now expected to proceed to the valuation phase of the litigation.

Mr. Rhatican is a member of Connell Foley’s Real Estate Law and Land Use practice. For more information, contact Mr. Rhatican at 973-535-0500 or jrhatican@connellfoley.com.