July 24, 2007

Anti-Covance group has no standing to challenge permit

Washington, D.C.-based Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and seven individuals have no legal standing to challenge a drug development company's building permit and site plans in Chandler, City Attorney Michael House said.

House's opinions, published in memos to city planning officials, is the latest setback for groups pushing to stop Covance, Inc. from building near Gilbert and Ryan roads. Objections to Covance have focused on use of animals in drug testing and potential environmental hazards.

The physicians group had sought public hearings on their appeals, which House advised officials not to schedule.

"This is an outrage," said Dan Kinburn, a Massachusetts attorney who represents the physicians' group. "It reflects a decision by city government to exclude its citizens."

House urged City Clerk Marla Paddock to return the group's filing fees.