Motions for summary judgment filed in SMOC lawsuit

Motions for summary judgment filed in SMOC lawsuit Thursday, March 5, 2009
Dan McDonald 508-626-4416 Metrowest Daily News
FRAMINGHAM — Defendants in the SMOC federal lawsuit have filed motions for summary judgment, meaning a judgement decided by a judge without the need of a trial.

In October 2007, South Middlesex Opportunity Council, commonly referred to as SMOC, filed suit in federal court, alleging that town officials worked to stall the expansion of its social service programs. In its complaint, SMOC named selectmen, Town Meeting members, and Planning Board members, among others.

On Monday, the defendants filed 10 total motions for summary judgment.

On Tuesday, SMOC filed a request for more time to respond to those motions. The deadline for response has been March 21, however, SMOC is seeking to move that deadline to April 30 to "respond to what amounts to more than 3,100 pages of materials filed by" the defendants.

A scheduling/status conference is set for April 30 in federal court.

Federal Judge Douglas Woodlock is presiding over the case.

Send comments to: hjw2001@gmail.com