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Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Ind. Courts - Randolph Courthouse story today not encouraging
Today's story in the Muncie Star-Press by Joy Leiker, titled "Randolph courthouse plans remain in limbo," is not encouraging to those who do not want to see the historic structure demolished. Some quotes:
WINCHESTER - Twelve weeks ago the Randolph County Board of Commissioners voted to tear down the existing courthouse. Six weeks later the county's hired experts identified an old Wal-Mart store as the best choice for temporary courthouse space.But Randolph County officials have made little progress in developing a plan of what to do next. They haven't taken bids to demolish. They haven't settled on where to conduct business while construction is under way. One thing has stayed right on track, however. The meetings. * * *
Twice a month the format is the same. Representatives from the county's hired architectural and construction firms take the floor and offer new points for the discussion. This week, it was more information about two much-talked-about proposals for a temporary location.
One option is to lease the old Wal-Mart store, 970 E. Washington St., a building that offers more space than what the county needs and puts every county office in one single-story location.
The other option involves a series of buildings in downtown Winchester. Some owners will lease, but at least one insists the county buy the space. Coming up with enough room between all the buildings, and adapting the spaces to meet accessibility and code requirements, are issues in every scenario.
Skip Hanchar, from the James S. Jackson construction company in Fort Wayne, has already told commissioners that the Wal-Mart building has "got it all." But many local residents don't want the county to invest money in a building owned by the mega retailer.
They insist that spending the same money, even more money, in locally-owned buildings on the downtown courthouse square is a better investment. * * *
[Monna] Goforth and others, including Winchester's Mayor Steve Croyle and the town's chamber of commerce, have asked commissioners not to abandon downtown Winchester.
But Allan Heuss, a Union City resident, said he doesn't think the county owes Winchester anything. He said if the county is looking to invest in downtown buildings, he knows of some in Union City that could use some help too.
"I don't think the county has any obligation to renovate downtown Winchester," Heuss said, adding he knows the sentiment will ruffle plenty of feathers.
After the meeting, Heuss said he thinks the commissioners' next step is an obvious one. "You need to decide to move people out of the courthouse, one way or another," he said. "We've got to move."
Posted by Marcia Oddi on August 30, 2005 08:34 AM
Posted to Indiana Courts