Tim Ryan tryan@wolfrivermedia.com
The Samanta Roy Institute of Science and Technology has filed suit against the Shawano Redevelopment Authority in an effort to keep the RDA from taking possession of one of its downtown properties.
Earlier this month, the RDA filed condemnation petitions in Shawano County Circuit Court against the properties at 143-145 S. Main St. and 214-216 S. Main St.
It will be up to the court to decide whether the petitions should be forwarded to a condemnation review committee made up of six county residents who would be chosen by the judge.
The committee would determine whether the city’s offers to purchase the properties are fair.
The RDA is offering $37,000 to SIST for the 214-216 S. Main St. property, using the figure SIST provided in its own appraisal, and offering $46,000 for the real estate and buildings at 143-145 S. Main St., along with relocation expenses of $28,000.
The Hunan Chinese Restaurant currently leases the building at 145 S. Main St. from SIST. The building at 143 S. Main St. is vacant.
In the condemnation review suit filed Tuesday, SIST is arguing the RDA has not shown any eminent domain right over the property at 143-145 N. Main St.
The complaint alleges 145 S. Main St. is not blighted. It also alleges the city prevented SIST from making repairs to 143 S. Main St. by putting “unreasonable pre-conditions” on permits to repair the building’s leaking roof and other defects.
City Zoning Administrator and Building Inspector Brian Bunke said SIST had not requested any permits for repairs at 143 S. Main St.
Assistant City Administrator Eddie Sheppard, who provides staff assistance for the RDA, said the building at 143 S. Main St. wraps around to the south behind 145 S. Main St., making it necessary to include that building in its condemnation proceedings.
“We can’t leave a partial remnant,” Sheppard said.
The suit is seeking an order stopping RDA from going forward with its condemnation of the property and restitution of legal fees.
The RDA has 20 days to respond.