The students of the University of Delaware became a key talking point in the lawsuit filed against Newark by landlords who call the town’s rental unit fees exorbitant.
During the first day of the trial Chancellor Leo Strine told Newark’s attorneys that he wants them to address whether the city believes that the presence of the students is a benefit or detriment to the municipality.
The Wilmington News Journal reports that he said, “If you’re saying…it stinks to have the University of Delaware, I kind of need to hear you say that.”
Meanwhile, the lead plaintiff Bruce Harvey told the court that the fees are far above what the city provides to landlords in service.
The landlords sued the city three years ago asking the court of end the annual fee structure which charges $300 per unit for houses and $70 a unit for apartments.
They want the city to refund the money plus interest and court costs.
