PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WVEC) -- A judge has rejected the City of Portsmouth's request to declare it the owner of the Confederate monument located in the city's Olde Towne district.
Mayor John Rowe wants to move the monument to Cedar Grove Cemetery. Last October, a majority of Portsmouth city council voted to support the relocation.
Portsmouth filed a complaint against a local chapter of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, which had the deed transferred to it nearly 90 years ago. Still, the city argued it was the rightful owner of the monument.
Judge William S. Moore Jr. declined to rule in the city's favor, saying the court did not have the authority to make such a judgment, one way or the other.
The legality of moving the monument to a different property remains unclear, but attorney Fred Taylor, who represents monument supporters, saw the judge's ruling as a victory.
Mayor Rowe told The Virginian-Pilot he was not sure what course of action the city may take next.
The monument has sat at the intersection of Court Street and High Street since its construction was completed in 1893.
