Store owner sues Findlay over downtown plan

10/18/2002

FINDLAY - A downtown business owner who campaigned against the $2.9 million streetscape project filed suit against City Council members and the city law director in Hancock County Common Pleas Court late Wednesday.

Paul Peterson, who operates the Blue Moon antique shop, asked the court to issue a temporary restraining order and ultimately a permanent injunction to stop the city from moving forward with the downtown beautification plan.

Council approved the plan Oct. 1 in a 4-3 vote with two members abstaining due to conflicts of interest. Mr. Peterson said in his suit that the vote did not constitute a majority and therefore was not legal. He also claims council did not file project plan specifications or cost estimates with the council clerk as required by state law.