40th District Court Working in Temporary Facilities

Court is in session for the 40th District Court in a temporary location in St. Clair Shores.

All court operations including arraignments, classes, ticket payments and hearings have moved to Our Lady of Hope School at 28837 Jefferson Ave. to allow for the construction of a new court building.

Ticket payments and other services are located on the first floor of the former school, with court rooms located on the second floor. Security measures for the court personnel, visitors and prisoners has been added in addition to the construction of temporary holding cells.

Carolyn Povich, 40th District Court Administrator, anticipates construction of the new $3.5 million building to last about 10 months with the new 15,500-square foot facility opening in the fall of 2013. She added that the all phone lines should be fully operational in the facility by Friday.

Funding the new facility

The new court is being funded through $1.8 million currently in the court building fund, and the balance through the sale of municipal bonds.

During the City Council meeting Monday, the board decided to go with a 25 year term to repay the bonds.

Under the plan approved by council, the court would be able to pay the bond with court revenue. Additionally, under a proposal by Councilman Peter Rubino, a separate fund will be established to pay off the bonds early if the court accumulates additional revenue.