St. Clair Shores Court Committee Recommends New Building

St. Clair Shores needs to replace the city's current aging with a new facility, a committee of St. Clair Shores residents and officials told City Council on Monday.

After nearly three months of study, the 40th District Court Committee recommended to replace the 1930s-era structure with a new building at the current site at 11 Mile and Jefferson.

The recommendation was received by council, and will be considered and discussed at the next meeting on Oct. 17.

"We felt the best option would be at the existing site," said Joe Goerlich, a member of the committee addressing council. "Whatever the decision, it should not be put off."

The presentation to council was the first step in the process which would include estimates included in the proposal into actual quotes for architectural renderings and costs for a new court building.

Mayor Robert Hison, who was a member of the committee, echoed comments by those who presented that bond rates to finance the new building are favorable in addition to labor costs.

"We needed to bring this (to council) so everyone understands what is going on inside the building," Hison said.

Among the concerns addressed by members of the committee:

• The 9,600-square-foot building is inadequate for the current caseload of nearly 32,000 cases a year.
• Security is a problem for employees and visitors.
• Inadequate storage areas.
• Ongoing problems with heating and cooling, plumbing and the roof.

The court also has a $1.7 million building fund for a new facility.

"It is only prudent to take advantage of the times we are in right now," said Verlyn Rebelein, a member of the committee.