Detail On City Council Opposition To Proposed Court House Site

Here is the press release recapping the >unanimous vote the City Council took last night at their meeting:

Rockville’s Mayor and Council Vote Unanimously to Oppose Courthouse Site

Although Supportive of a New Courthouse Within the City, Mayor and Council Dispute Proposed District Court Location

ROCKVILLE, Md., March 4, 2008 — At their March 3 meeting, Rockville’s Mayor and Council voted unanimously to take an official stand against the site selected for the proposed District Courthouse. While committed to the construction of a District Courthouse in the City of Rockville, the Mayor and Council oppose the location of the District Courthouse in its currently proposed configuration at the Southwest corner of East Jefferson Street and Maryland Avenue. The Mayor and Council plan to testify before the State Legislature to express opposition to the current courthouse proposal.

“We don’t oppose the District Court, “said Rockville’s Mayor Susan Hoffmann, “but no other entity would be allowed to build anywhere in Rockville without first examining traffic impacts, pedestrian access, and compatibility with surrounding uses. The state has not responded to our ongoing concerns about these issues.”

Concerns raised by the Mayor and Council and the Rockville community since 2001 center on the building’s incompatible location, lack of parking, and pedestrian safety. Additionally, the proposed building does not meet the City’s zoning codes. Specific concerns are the courthouse’s proximity to a church, a pre-school, an elementary school and an historical neighborhood. As planned, the District Court’s highest point will be adjacent to several historic homes.

Plans for the courthouse do not include parking for the public or the majority of the court’s employees. It is the policy of the state to provide little or no parking for its District Courts. The courthouse is expected to attract thousands of visitors; the majority will have to cross MD Route 28 to access parking.

“There is no doubt that a new District Court is needed,” continued Hoffmann, “but it must be an asset to the community now and in the future.”

The Mayor is expected to testify at upcoming budget hearings in Annapolis.

Share and enjoy:

Hide Sites