DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - On Monday, a Macon County judge dismissed St. Teresa High School's request for an injunction to block Heritage Behavioral Health Center from moving next to its campus in Decatur.
According to court documents the Judge Phoebe Bowers found there was no factual allegations that St. Teresa will suffer irreparable harm, just conclusory and speculative statements that the "threatened invasions" will chill private donations and may reduce tuition revenues.
Court records show because St. Teresa did not alleged facts sufficient to state a cause of action for permanent injunctive relief, Heritage's motion was granted without prejudice.
St. Teresa now has 28 days to refile an amended complaint, and Heritage will also be given a 28-day window to file a responsive pleading.
Heritage’s Board of Directors announced in May 2024 they accepted a building donation from Sally Andreas to allow for its expansion of services. The building is located in Northgate Plaza at 2800 N. Water Street in Decatur. The building is several hundred feet from the high school which is located at 2700 N. Water Street.
Heritage said the move will take 3 to 5 years and cost $40 million.Â
In the court filing, the school said the new Heritage location would threaten the safety of its campus. The filing cited sex offenders, substance abuse clients, and people with behavioral disorders who, "... will be loitering in proximity to high school students." The filing states HBHC clients would be "readily accessible" to students in parking lots, public transportation, and area restaurants used by students.
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