Judge dismisses 3 counts in Ryan Field re-zoning case

CHICAGO — A Cook County judge has made her ruling in the Ryan Field redevelopment zoning case.

The judge dismissed three out of four counts of a lawsuit filed by homeowners in Evanston and a non-profit group.

The judge did allow one of the civil lawsuit claims to move forward — that is on the question of whether the city violated the plantiff’s consistutional right when it voted to allow the re-zoning at Ryan Field.

Regardless, it was a victory for the city and Northwestern University Friday morning.

A group of homeowners in Evanston and a non-profit organization called “The Most Livable City Association,” or MLCA for short, filed a lawsuit against the city shortly after Mayor Daniel Bliss passed the deciding vote in moving forward with the redevelopment of Ryan FIeld that would allow concerts and other events at the new stadium.

Demolition of Ryan Field is already underway. The new stadium is expected to hold around 35,000 people.

While many applaud the city’s decision, others are worried about excess traffic and noise, more than what was previous limited to just football Saturdays at Ryan Field.

Those fighting against the new stadium argued the city failed to take enough votes before moving forward with re-zoning.

Attorneys for the city argued the council took the required votes needed to follow its own rules, and the judge agreed.

All parties will be back in a courtroom in June to tell the judge where they are, as to the one and only count left in the lawsuit.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.