GALVESTON - A state district court judge dismissed a lawsuit by a group of residents against the Santa Fe school district over the construction of an agricultural barn near their homes.
Galveston County 405th District Court Judge Wayne Mallia ruled on April 16 that his court had no jurisdiction over the case, stating he agreed with a plea from the Santa Fe Independent School District.
The original complaint, filed Feb. 18 by Lloyd Gilliam and others, argued that SFISD's plans to build the barn went against a declaration that forbids use of land for the erection of a non-residential structure and the raising of animals.
The plaintiffs said that they informed the defendant their opposition to the proposed building site and had no adequate remedy of law.
The school district announced in August 2009 that the facility will be built near R.J. Wollam Elementary School, which is in close proximity to the complainants' homes.
A few of the residents told The Galveston County Daily News a month ago that they plan to move elsewhere if the barn is built. They said the facility will bring an onslaught of pests and insects.
SFISD officials expressed satisfaction with Judge Mallia's decision while Gilliam vowed to appeal it.
Case No. 10-cv-0489
Judge dismisses Santa Fe residents' suit against school district
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