Brookhaven’s annexation trial went on the road Monday asparticipants traveled the proposed expansion area to view sitesinside the city and in the proposed expansion area.

“We’ve seen some interesting sites, pro and con,” said SpecialChancellor John C. Ross, the judge who will decide whether or howmuch the city gets to annex.

In all, the tour in and around the city covered 138 miles. Rosssaid it was very educational.

“Both sides have pointed out things that are favorable to theirside, while the other side has pointed out things that areunfavorable,” Ross said.

The tour featured some pointed, but good-natured, verbalsparring between opposite sides.

“Don’t argue against the obvious,” said annexation consultantMike Bridge as the tour van passed through developed areas outsidethe city.

Bridge’s offensive continued as the tour went through MoretonEstates and other subdivisions currently receiving city waterservices outside the city.

“This development is here because of city infrastructure beingextended out here,” Bridge said.

Along the way, annexation proponents pointed out potential waterand sewer related health concerns, areas that could be improved byzoning regulations and other benefits of annexation.

In other areas, such as to the west and northeast, objectors’attorney Jerry Evans cited pasture lands and rural conditions.

Objectors also discounted the newness of “spill over growth”along Highway 51 near Industrial Park Road. They said somedevelopment had been in place as long as 30 years.

“Everything they’re showing is a result of Brookhaven draggingits feet on annexation,” Evans said.

Inside the city, trial participants saw the old Gibson’sshopping center lot. Attorney Carlisle Henderson, who isrepresenting the majority of objectors, said it was Brookhaven’sfirst shopping center.

“It’s all but vacant now,” Henderson said.

Urban planner Kathy Garner, who is working for objectors, saidshe believed the tour was successful in showing the judge the areasof most concern inside the city and the rural nature of the landoutside it.

“Many of our clients survive on agricultural activities thatwould be affected detrimentally by annexation,” Garner said.

Trial participants spent much of the morning and all afternoonon tour. The trial was scheduled to resume Tuesday at 9 a.m. withcross examination of city annexation consultant Mike Slaughter andthen be followed by presentation of the objectors’ case.