12/12/13 - Arguments have been made to the stateâs highest court in the ongoing legal battle between an elderly Northville couple and the City of Brighton. The Michigan Supreme Court heard an appeal filed on behalf of the City regarding Leon and Marilyn Bonner, who own two historic homes on North Street that the City ordered demolished in January of 2009 based on its ordinance pertaining to public health and safety. The Michigan Court of Appeals determined portions of that ordinance violated substantive and procedural due process, prompting the City to appeal to the Michigan Supreme Court. The seven-member high court heard from attorneys representing both the City and the Bonners today, with each party making a presentation before answering questions. No decision was made but an opinion will eventually be issued in the legal battle that is now nearing five years. The City says the homes are not safe and wants them demolished. The Bonners have been fighting for the right to repair the homes and maintain the Cityâs ordinance is unconstitutional. (JM)
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