Justice center plans unsure
By RACHEL LANEPARKERSBURG - Questions are still unanswered after a meeting to discuss the proposed construction of a Wood County justice center.
During a special meeting Tuesday evening, commissioners and ZMM architect Adam Krason spoke with many of the elected officials that would be affected by the new building. The purpose of the building is to house many of the county government offices in one area instead of in several buildings throughout downtown Parkersburg. It may house the magistrate court, sheriff's offices, holding center, home confinement, day report center and the coroners office.
"All the concerns of everyone need to be addressed," said Commissioner Blair Couch. "I'm excited about it but we can't rush into anything. A previous commission made a decision and the old courthouse lasted 118 years. Our decision may last over 100 years."
He said the meeting was to give Krason a chance to respond to concerns from county officials.
Commissioner Rick Modesitt said the project has been put on hold, but he would like to see the building started soon. He expects low interest rates on loans and low cost of construction because of the slow economic period.
He said the building site he supports will be determined on which site costs the least to develop.
"I am for a site that does not require us to relocate anybody because that increases the cost," Modesitt said. The location beside the Shaver Annex is his favorite because the center can be built around the building without tearing down a building to start construction.
Sheriff Ken Merritt said he would like to see the building be constructed on the lot between the sheriffs department and the holding center because it allows room to expand the building, provide parking and multiple entrances.
The sheriff's department "needs a place that is secluded from everywhere else," Merritt said. "We have a holding center that needs to be separate from the law enforcement offices."
He said the victims of crimes should not be in the same room as the perpetrators.
He said he does not want a future generation to need to build a building because the center cannot be expanded. The Shaver Annex is land locked, giving it limited space to grow, he said.
"We need more room to keep people separated, more court space, said Brenda Marshall, magistrate. I want a building that reflects what we do. We work in a ... renovated feed store. It lacks respect."
She said she has a bucket in the ceiling above her office to prevent the roof from leaking when it rains and the building is crowded.
She would like to see all of the law departments in the same facility for convenience but it not necessary.
Krason said the project has not been finalized. The meeting was in hopes of gathering information to lead to the selection of a location to build the center.
Couch said the commission needs to find about $6.5 million for construction, select a location and design the building while answering concerns.
"I think we forgot who actually owns the building -- the taxpayers. They are our landlords. We need to protect our landlords' interest," Modesitt said.
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EdSloan
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10-01-08 9:06 PM
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It appears that a 6.5 million dollar cost estimate has been generated based on a set of assumptions. However, those assumptions appear to be challenged at nearly every opportunity by the elected officials as described in the article. Commissioner Blair Couch, always a diplomat, has it right. This is a long term decision and should not be rushed into.
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JCB1964
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10-01-08 7:59 PM
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Where's the $6.5 million coming from,...cause the citizens will not pass a levy for this, with the current economic troubles. Why was the town square purchased,...other than a place for family court, that the courthouse didn't provide?
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