Courthouse speculation continues

An old brick courthouse in operation since 1849 stands in the center of Greensboro and holds abundant history and lore for the area as the main judicial center for Greene County.

The oldest standing courthouse of Greek-Revival style in the state houses Superior Court and Magistrate Court. It found its way to distinction when put on the historic record in 1980.

Concerns have mounted that the judicial operations of the county will move to a new complex on C. Weldon Drive with an expected cost approaching $25 million. At the ripe old age of 174 years old, the current courthouse has a special place in the hearts of long-term residents of both the city and county.

An active group of citizens is gaining momentum with several small community groups aimed at opposing such a move and citing the historical significance of the building. Full-page advertisements and circulated petitions have made their way throughout the city, and downtown merchants claim its move would hurt business in the downtown sector.

It also appears to be an emotional and cultural argument, but the building’s brick-and-mortar is falling victim to disrepair and growth.

Probate Judge LaVerne Ogletree has been in the courthouse since 1982. She takes exception with reports that the courthouse has outgrown its judicial function for the county, having seen several changes and additions over the years. The argument is not new. The county proposed a similar plan in 2009 and eventually tabled the discussion.

“The courthouse is an important anchor to downtown,” Ogletree said. “Courthouse functions generate visitor traffic to our downtown sector. I would urge our county commissioners to explore all options, which could include expanding the current building or building an annex close to the current building. It is a treasured and traditional landmark here.”

Union Point Judge and local attorney David Kopp echoes similar feelings, having been a long-term resident. He is also concerned that the move would prompt the use of federal or state funds and not grants.

“Decisions of this magnitude almost always come in degrees and not absolutes,” he said. “Nearby, almost every county has its own courthouse in the center of town. It is a landmark and more importantly, the judicial heartbeat of the community. Having spoken with many people, both residents and visitors alike, the vote is to keep the daily court activities in this nationally registered building and to fix and repair as needed.”

The county has remained steadfast in a denial that this would happen soon. Plans discussed have included moving the rodeo as well to the newly expanded county recreational complex.

According to the county, commissioners have held numerous discussions over the last several years to seek a plan that will improve the operational space for the judicial operations of Greene County. Nothing has become of this discussion other than existing options.

Three options currently exist and are under evaluation and include renovating and expanding the courthouse, a newly built judicial center at another location, or a project that would convert a facility at the county annex, where the jail is located.

The county also stated other options could emerge that would warrant a discussion. The county went on to further express that until a vote is taken to decisively pursue any option, a thorough review would be conducted and increasing concern for such a decision has been apparent for well over 10 years.

This is not a new topic, according to the county, and there is no timeline for completion. The county asserts that previous county commission boards have weighed in on the probability, citing a legitimate need to improve the operational spaces for the judicial functions, along with some judges and attorneys.

The county expects a decision like this could be lengthy in discussion and take another year or two of looking at options and costs.

Several implications will be involved in deciding the fate of the historic building. Other counties have similar old structures, such as the Union County courthouse in Blairsville, which met a similar fate with all the same community concerns.

Yet, residents welcomed keeping the structure and retrofitting it to become a special museum and small concert facility. On Friday nights in the summer, several performing artists come to the former main chamber and kids clamor to sit in the old jury box.

As the county continues to grow with a total expectation of the population to soon exceed 20,000 residents, concerns will continue to surface regarding the structure. Navigating the process will take considerable effort, and action could come several years out or not at all.