A lawsuit looking to halt the Richmond city government’s plan for the Diamond District’s baseball stadium was dismissed last week. Richmond Circuit Court Judge W. Reilly Marchant tossed out the suit from attorney Paul Goldman during a hearing last Friday. The suit sought to force a ballot referendum on the planned redevelopment of the Diamond District, specifically a new baseball stadium.

City leadership seems confident that the matter has been settled.

“We are full speed ahead on delivering a world-class baseball stadium and an exciting new neighborhood for all to enjoy,” Mayor Levar M. Stoney said in a statement following the suit’s dismissal. “The Flying Squirrels are here to stay in Richmond!”

A key element of the plan, and the reason for the lawsuit, is the financing plan for the stadium, which includes the issuing of $170 million in general obligation bonds. City officials have noted this plan comes with some risk of higher taxes for residents if area revenue falls below expectations. They also have stressed the benefits of this choice, including saving potentially over $200 million across 30 years, more money for the Diamond District’s redevelopment and leaving further funding sources open for schools and other city projects. The plan was unanimously adopted by the Richmond City Council.

Marchant denied arguments from Goldman and his suit that the ordinance that allows the bonds to be issued violated the city charter and the state constitution. Citing Goldman’s failure to provide a petition showing adequate community backing for a November referendum, Marchant gave him until June 11, 30 days after the ordinances’ approval, to obtain around 11,000 signatures from Richmond residents in order to qualify the issue for the ballot.

A petition to seek a referendum was filed Monday, according to Goldman, though he didn’t share how many signatures were collected. He also didn’t indicate whether he will appeal the judge’s decision.

“This is about the right to vote,” Goldman said. “That’s all this is about, it has nothing to do not with whether the people want the stadium or not.”

If Goldman doesn’t appeal Marchant’s decision, the redevelopment project is expected to begin later this month with the issuing of the bonds and the groundbreaking in July.