COLUMBUS, Ohio — The judge overseeing the case about the future of a Greyhound bus terminal in west Columbus dismissed herself from the hearings on Monday. The recusal comes after Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther was accused in October of attempting to influence her to shut down the terminal.
In Judge Stephanie Mingo's recusal order she states that due to her having personal knowledge of a fact in the dispute, she was disqualifying herself from hearing further arguments and deciding merits in the case.
On Tuesday, the Ohio Supreme Court assigned Gary Dumm, a retired judge of the Circleville Municipal Court, to the case.
The city filed the lawsuit against the bus terminal several months ago due to violence and safety concerns.
Hearings began Friday with the defense attorneys representing Greyhound and Barons Bus saying they've met all requirements asked of them by the city. They added that the city's move to shut down the station is just a political stunt.
The city testified saying “This operation operating illegally at this site is doing too much in too small of a space, literally spilling out into the street, spilling out into neighboring areas and harming those people that live and work around there."
Members of the community also continue to speak out about the bus terminal. Kathy Anne Wood is just one of many people who live nearby. She said they’re extremely frustrated the case keeps getting delayed.
"It puts everybody in danger. There's no crosswalks, there's no light, the transportation... there's already been a couple of accidents. We've had people hit by cars trying to cross the street because they can't get anywhere else. Its just frustrating, they don't belong here. We want them gone and we'll keep fighting until we get it,” Wood said.
No new court dates have been set.
Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein released the following statement about the recusal:
“We have the utmost respect for all of our judges, but are not going to offer any comment while another judge is being appointed in this case. At that time, we will continue to present a strong case to the Court to shut down the Wilson Road Greyhound terminal and move it to a more appropriate location that’s safe, secure and accessible. I remain committed to abating this nuisance as quickly as possible to protect the families living in the neighborhood.”
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