2/15/13 - A local judge granted a stay of proceedings yesterday in the legal battle between an elderly Northville couple and the City of Brighton. Leon and Marilyn Bonner own two homes on North Street that the city ordered demolished in January of 2009 based on an ordinance. Portions of that ordinance were later found unconstitutional, but due to failure to comply with court orders Judge Michael Hatty recently ruled that the Bonners had lost the right to repair the homes and that they must be demolished. The decision was said to constitute a final order, which would close the case. Attorney Dennis Dubuc, who represents the Bonners, said he would appeal the decision to the state Court of Appeals. He made a motion for an evidentiary hearing regarding an ongoing question of who will pay costs and attorney fees as well as a motion for a stay of proceedings. Yesterday Judge Hatty denied the motion for an evidentiary hearing but granted the motion for a stay. A $25,000 appeal bond is due by March 16th. (TD)
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