Lawmaker wants courthouse condemned

August 30, 2002

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By Associated Press, 8/29/2002 07:17

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) The building where juvenile and housing courts are

held is in such bad condition that a state lawmaker wants it condemned.

Poor ventilation, broken air conditioning, mold and a leaky roof are just

some of the problems with the 122-year-old building, Rep. Gail Candaras,

D-Wilbraham, said Wednesday.

Juvenile Court Judge Rebekah Crampton said some hearings are held in adult

courts because the conditions are so bad.

State Building Inspector ph McEvoy said he ordered the problems to be

fixed in October. He found problems with the building's structure and a

leaking roof that was threatening electrical equipment and creating slippery

walking surfaces.

A report issued by the state Division of Occupational Safety said air

ventilation systems need to be replaced. Court officers said dust and water

leak into the areas where children are detained, and judges said water

sometimes pours down walls.

Martha Grace, chief justice for the juvenile courts, said the department

responsible for maintaining the building is treating the problems as an

emergency.

Officials from that department, the Division of Capital Assets Management,

said the roof will cost $1.8 million to repair.

Flanagan, a spokesman for the department, said the state is seeking

bids on structural repairs.

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