JOHNSTON, R.I. (WPRI) — Less than 24 hours before Johnston officials were expected to appear in court, a federal judge found the town did not violate a court order by passing two resolutions tied to its ongoing eminent domain efforts.
The Santoro family requested an order to show cause last week, alleging Johnston breached a 2025 preliminary injunction barring further action to condemn their 31-acre property off George Waterman Road. They argued the town “dramatically altered the status quo” through Resolution 2026-26 and Resolution 2026-25, which were approved during a July 31 special town council meeting.
PREVIOUS STORY: Johnston to appear before federal judge over eminent domain dispute
However, after reviewing Johnston’s response to the allegations, U.S. District Judge Melissa DuBose ruled Tuesday that the court “is satisfied” with the town’s actions and found the resolutions were not “in contravention” of the preliminary injunction.
The ruling cancels a show cause hearing that had been scheduled for Wednesday, when Johnston officials were expected to explain why the town should not be held in contempt…