Commissioners discuss plans for recently-purchased property
COSHOCTON – The commissioners met Wednesday, Feb. 18 and discussed their recent purchase of the piece of property on the corner of Walnut and Seventh Streets. The commissioners plan to build a new Justice Center at the site, which was purchased for $200,000. Several years ago, the commissioners received a concept design for a new Justice Center from an architect, but were not in a position to build due to a failed levy. There are no definite plans currently on the specifics of the building.
“It’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when we would need to build a new Justice Center,” said Commissioner Dane Shryock.
The current Justice Center was built in 1973 and maximum capacity is 62 people. The current center barely meets state and federal requirements, so a new building is mandatory.
“The Justice Center is controlled by state and federal regulations, not by what we think or the public thinks,” said Commissioner Gary Fischer. “This Board tries to position ourselves to be proactive instead of reactive. We’re trying to change the public’s perception that this is a Justice Center, not a jail. A lot more happens there than just housing people.”
The property had all the attributes the county was looking for to build a new Justice Center. Money was transferred for the 10 percent down payment, which leaves $180,000 remaining.
Category: Government
