Public commenter tells DDA board it may be illegally constituted and threatens litigation

A resident speaking during public comment told the board they had reviewed governing law and claimed the Downtown Development Authority was not properly constituted under "MCO law," urging the board to hold a special meeting and avoid actions that could prompt litigation.

"I've also produced that the DDA Board cannot legally dissolve under MCO law," the commenter said, and told members they had provided a packet of documents they said had been vetted by attorneys. The commenter requested a five-business-day special meeting and said the alternative would be to pursue litigation against the board and related actors if concerns were not addressed.

Board members responded that legal questions and any discussion of possible litigation should be handled with the township attorney present. Several members said appointments had been vetted by the township attorney and that they preferred counsel to resolve the legal questions before substantive action.