Courthouse Sentence Carried Out: Demolition Underway

Demolition of the existing 40th District Court began Thursday in preparation for the construction of a new facility at the corner of 11 Mile and Jefferson.

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.

The city will spread the repayment of the bonds over 25 years.

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.

All court operations including arraignments, classes, ticket payments and hearings have moved to Our Lady of Hope School at 28837 Jefferson Ave.

While officials project that court will be able to be funded through court fees, resident Erin Stahl has written a letter to the editor voicing her disapproval for the bond issue to pay for the balance of the court costs.