« Courts - "Bankruptcy Filings Near Million Mark for 12-Month Period Ending June 30, 2008" | Main | Ind. Law - More on: State Police issue golf carts press release [Updated with answer from ISP] »

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Courts - Big county courthouse is a hub for local business

ABA News today highlights an interesting story that appeared last Friday, Aug. 22nd in the Columbus Ohio Business First publication. Written by Kevin Kemper and headed "Downtown court complex economic stimulus to many an entrepreneur," the report begins:

It’s almost a small city. A micro economy that feeds dozens of businesses and vendors.

One of the busiest courts in the state, the Franklin County Courthouse complex is a three-building spread that employs an estimated 3,350 people while annually welcoming more than one million people through its doors.

Located at 369, 373 and 375 S. High Street in downtown Columbus, the courthouse and its employees are responsible for not only the administration of justice in Franklin County, but also the well-being of dozens of area businesses that supply the complex and its employees with food, documents and a variety of services.

And when the county’s new courthouse opens just north of the existing complex on High Street, these businesses expect they will continue to act as satellites in the courthouse’s economic orbit.

The story then goes on to highlight bail bond companies, courier services, title searchers, restaurants, and concludes:
Even the city of Columbus makes money off the courthouse.

The roughly 60 parking meters that surround the courthouse brought in $123,690.04 in 2007.

“The meters around the courthouse are some of the busiest (in the city) and in terms of finances, some of the most lucrative,” said Mary Carran Webster, assistant director for the city’s Department of Public Service.

Posted by Marcia Oddi on August 27, 2008 01:33 PM
Posted to Courts in general