Court of Appeals reverses verdict against Brookhaven

Brookhaven, GA, Mar. 3, 2023 – The City of Brookhaven has successfully appealed a verdict in the Georgia Court of Appeals with the Appellate Court finding Plaintiffs failed to prove essential elements of their claims against the City.

The appeal was based upon an unusual complaint filed by The Ardent Companies LLC and others in March 2022 in DeKalb Superior Court regarding a proposed redevelopment of homes located on Bramblewood Drive.

In its unanimous ruling, the Court of Appeals vacated the trial court’s decision, and remanded the case back to the trial court with direction. A subsequent request by the plaintiffs for the Court of Appeals to reconsider its decision was denied.

“We said all along, that while we respect the jury’s hard work on this complex case, it should not have been allowed to come to trial in the first place,” said City Attorney Chris Balch.  “While pleased with that decision, we know several issues remain for determination in this case.”

“I hope this ruling by the higher court dispels some of the rumors and innuendo in the community that we were doing anything other than what we are supposed to be doing, which is protecting the interests and assets of the taxpayers,” said City Manager Christian Sigman.

I am grateful for this ruling by the Appeals Court as it paves the way for total vindication in this matter,” said Mayor John Ernst.

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