Posted by wlpowell63 (anonymous) on August 1, 2009 at 6:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

“We request that the commission also consider the construction of a new judicial complex.” I remember the people voted for that not too long ago and it was turned down by the people of Chilton County.

“Additionally, we were made aware of the fact that the handicapped access areas, including the public elevator, are inadequate and below federal standards". I knew that was coming.

Posted by ATC1962 (anonymous) on August 1, 2009 at 10:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Does a court house necessarily have to be multi levels? The large shopping building which once housed Food Fair sits vacant. Would it be possible to renovate the existing structure into a new court house? More than adequate parking would be available, one level for easy handicap access and renovations instead of a completely new structure. Would there be enough square footage in the old shopping facility to house all of the offices? Then if the old court house had to be destroyed, it would open up a larger area for parking in the downtown area for the church, merchants and banks. More parking in the downtown area would be beneficial to all around, and ... locating the courthouse on Hwy 31 would increase the volume of traffic in the area where Stokes will soon vacate and move to the interstate. Just an idea ... my opinion for the day.

Posted by nonexpert (anonymous) on August 1, 2009 at 1:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Act, if the courthouse was removed from downtown, downtown would die. I've seen it happen. City hall and the courthouse are the biggest draw. Also it usually is more expensive to renovate to meet all the criteria, than to build new.

Posted by ATC1962 (anonymous) on August 1, 2009 at 2:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Nonexpert, soley my opinion and I respect your disagreement with the statements I made.Consider however in the article above it was noted the old Courthouse is beyond repairs. Which is indicative of the construction of a newer facility. Agreed, the merchants want to keep business in the downtown district afloat. The Clanton City Hall still remains on the corner. In order to build a new facility and keep traffic flowing around 2nd Ave and the blocks adjacent, then would wonder where in the downtown area a new courthouse could be built that would allow ample parking and accessibility? And, also be within the same walking distance. I cannot picture one. Help me by reminding me of an area where a new one could be built that would not pull the traffic from the current corner. I do not see with the economic conditions tearing that one down and rebuilding in the same location for the County to have to use temporary housing for its offices until the new one could be built. To rebuild in the same location would still be the issue of accessibility. No appropriate room for parking. Go to the court house now on a day with court in session and end of month while everyone is trying to handle business and the court house visitors are having to park in areas that block access in front of merchant businesses. These were my thoughts. Those of us who visit the downtown merchants would do so whether the court house was there or not. For obvious reasons, a new location will be highly likely. Since that will be the case, the reason for my suggestion of the old shopping center was still within the city limits, and keeping the area where Stokes is now still alive as well. Accessibility and growth potential for the area. If you are a merchant owner in the current downtown district, I will apologize if in any manner I offended you. I certainly promote those downtown merchants and enjoy shopping and doing business with hometown folks. It is sad to see, two of those long time merchants shutting their doors now. Afraid, i just do not see the courthouse and its visitors as a drawing card for doing that much business with the downtown merchants.

Posted by bamamom (anonymous) on August 1, 2009 at 3:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

No Debbie
do you remember the dixie shopping center
It's a brand new building that sits across the road from the shopping center. It's just a block or two from Linda.

Posted by ATC1962 (anonymous) on August 1, 2009 at 6:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Goodness Debby it has been awhile since you have been to Clanton to visit. You know, I had forgotten all aout the fact in the old jail Wednesday and Sunday was visiting day and yes indeed, if you drove past on either day, you saw who was there and who came to visit. Well Steve, with that description guess my idea of the old shopping center would be out huh? LOL, my scenario would be cheaper. Your description of complex just made champagne from a beer budget. Yes, then right by the jail would be the place to locate it.

Posted by ATC1962 (anonymous) on August 1, 2009 at 9:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Not sure how much in the way of grant dollars could be provided to update the old courthouse. Not even sure our county has a good grant writer to assist with getting the aid needed to build such. Would be reluctant to believe enough people here would vote on another tax in order to build. There will always be a security issue with a courthouse. After yesterdays news with the Jefferson County situation, just glad was have a court house today that even though out-dated is open to handle the county needs.

Posted by KatherineReece (anonymous) on August 4, 2009 at 8:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The handicap access to the courthouse isn't good. Thankfully most of the time I use my cane, but if I had to go and go in my wheelchair I don't think it would fit in those elevators.