Injunction saves Lakewood from Metro takeover

Metropolitan Nashville has agreed not to take over Lakewood pending a court challenge to a razor-thin result in the referendum to dissolve the previously independent city’s charter.

Lakewood was due to join Metro government Oct. 4, 60 days after the Aug. 5 referendum, but with a challenge to the vote pending, the two sides have agreed to a temporary injunction, keeping Lakewood's charter intact until the case is resolved.

The final vote in the referendum was 400-399, but Lakewood leaders have challenged that, with rumors swirling in the town of Lakewoodians having to ask for the referendum ballot and non-Lakewoodians getting to vote on the referendum.

The court case, filed by the still-extant city, claims at least 13 people voted illegally and asks the court to call for a new vote in conjunction with the Nov. 2 general election or to rule the city may keep its charter outright.