A circuit court judge has rejected a lawsuit by 26 residents attempting to block Cornerstone Rescue Mission from opening a respite center at the former Big Sky Lodge on 2080 Tower Road. The facility will provide a recovery space for homeless individuals discharged from hospitals but unable to continue recuperation due to lack of housing.
Judge Eric Kelderman ruled that the Rapid City Council’s 6-3 vote in November 2024 to approve a conditional use permit, overturning the city planning commission’s denial, was legally valid. He also found the residents lacked standing to sue, as they failed to prove unique injury from the center’s operation, located 0.4 to 1.9 miles from their homes.
Lysa Allison, Cornerstone’s executive director, celebrated the ruling, stating the center, set to open October 15 after a ribbon-cutting on October 9, will serve a critical need.
The $1.2 million project, funded by a state grant, is a collaboration with Monument Health, the Rapid City Fire Department, and the South Dakota Department of Health.
The judge also upheld Cornerstone’s counterclaim against the residents for tortious interference with its business agreement with Monument Health, though Dorsey said the nonprofit’s board will decide whether to pursue it further.
The residents’ attorney, Matthew Naasz, had argued the counterclaim violated First Amendment rights, but Dorsey countered that frivolous lawsuits carry consequences.
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