By AP/KWMU
St. Louis – A state appeals court has ruled in favor of property owners in Clayton in a case involving a company's effort to condemn their properties.
The Eastern District of the Missouri Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday that Centene Plaza Redevelopment Corporation should not be able to use condemnation to acquire Clayton property for its $210 million office and retail complex.
The appeals court sent the matter to the Missouri Supreme Court, citing the general interest and importance of the case.
The court ruled the properties could not be considered blighted under a legal definition.
Three owners of the properties at the development site had opposed the use of condemnation.