Douglas County residents opposing an annexation attempt by the city of Lawrence have filed an appeal that will take the matter before a judge.

The “notice of appeal” was filed with the Douglas County Clerk’s office last week and was expected to be turned into district court by today. The appeal is similar to a lawsuit, but under state law an annexation appeal has to first go to the clerk.

The site is just north of the Lecompton interchange on the Kansas Turnpike. More than 20 people who own property adjoining or near the 155-acre site to be annexed signed a petition accompanying the appeal.

A development group including Lawrence businessmen Duane Schwada and his son, Steve, wants to turn the site into a new industrial park.

The petitioners, represented by attorney Ron Schneider, say the county commissioners’ decision that could allow annexation was “unreasonable, improper, unlawful” and violated due process of law.

The Lawrence City Commission last week gave preliminary approval for the annexation.