February 28, 2011

Court Reviews Whether a City Council Acted Illegally in Approving a Planned Development and a Street Closure

NATHAN E. STEPPACH, JR. v. WILLIAM H. THOMAS, JR., ET AL. (Tenn. Ct. App. February 28, 2011)

This is the second appeal of this case, which arises from the grant of a writ of certiorari by the Shelby County Chancery Court. Upon review of the Memphis City Council's record, the trial court found that the Appellee City had not acted arbitrarily, capriciously, or illegally in either approving a planned development, or in approving the companion street closure.

The trial court granted partial summary judgment in favor of the City, thereby affirming the City Council's action in approving the planned development. The issue of the companion street closure proceeded to hearing, with the trial court ultimately affirming the City Council's decision. Appellant appeals, arguing that the City Council's decision was made in violation of the Memphis City Charter and ordinances, and that the decision was the product of corruption within the City Council. Discerning no error, we affirm the action of the trial court and remand for further proceedings.

Opinion available at:
http://www.tba2.org/tba_files/TCA/2011/steppachn_022811.pdf