By Marshall Griffin, KWMU
Jefferson City, MO. – A wealthy St. Louis suburb is the center of an eminent domain case before the Missouri Supreme Court.
Lawyers for Centene Plaza Redevelopment want to build a $210 million office and retail complex in Clayton.
They claim the property in question is blighted, and the city's board of aldermen agrees.
The property owners disagree and are fighting to keep their buildings.
Their attorney, Gerry Carmody, presented their case before the state's high court Tuesday afternoon.
"The court clearly focused on what the true issues are in the case, which relates to whether or not this property, which is at the heart of downtown Clayton, which is some of the most valuable real estate in the entire metropolitan St. Louis area, satisfies the definition of blight," Carmody said.
Tom Weaver, an attorney for Centene, chose not to comment on the case when contacted by KWMU.
But he was quoted by Associated Press as saying the buildings don't have sufficient parking, and are dated and partially vacant.
The Missouri Supreme Court will rule on the case later.