August 6, 2008

RIVERVIEW: Council won't appeal Grosse Ile bridge ruling

The Riverview City Council voted unanimously Monday not to appeal a judge's decision about suing the privately owned Grosse Ile Bridge Co. for expenses incurred while Wayne County's free bridge was under repair.

Circuit Judge Prentis Edwards granted the bridge company's motion for summary disposition.

The Downriver community had sued for an estimated $140,000, claiming the overflow of traffic during the county bridge's 2004 and 2007 overhauls required police overtime. Only two spans connect Grosse Ile across the Trenton Channel to the mainland.

Riverview has an obligation to provide public-safety services, but "the business owner needs to step up to the plate," city attorney Randall Pentiuk said Monday, adding that the municipality disagrees with Edwards' June opinion.

Compiled by Korie Wilkins, Dan Cortez, Peggy Walsh-Sarnecki and Zlati Meyer.