Montgomery County Judge To Decide Whether To Reopen Barnes Foundation Case

NORRISTOWN, Pa. (CBS) - A Montgomery County judge is expected to decide later this summer whether to reopen the Barnes Foundation case after hearing arguments from both sides.

Even though the Barnes Foundation closed the doors to its Lower Merion location last month in preparation for a move to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia, the Friends of the Barnes Foundation is still trying to block the transfer of the multi-million dollar art collection.

Samuel Stretton, Friends of the Barnes attorney, says the crux of his case centers on the role of former-attorney general Mike Fisher.

"It's our position they are also representing the public and have to advocate the public's position and also explore all the issues and that's what it comes down to," Stretton said. "If I'm right, it seems to me we win. The case is open. If I'm wrong, the case is done."

Stretton believes the judge was misled and didn't have all the information before his decision several years ago to allow the move. Attorneys for the Barnes say the arguments are factually baseless.

Reported by Brad Segall, KYW Newsradio 1060