Open house offers public a look at courthouse complex project

Update: The second open house, planned for Tuesday, has been extended by one hour to 7 p.m. in response to the amount of interest at the first open house. 

Previously:

CHAMBERSBURG - Local officials were ready to answer questions Thursday afternoon, during the first open house for the upcoming courthouse complex project.

The project, which encompasses a new building, and significant renovations of two other buildings is expected to cost $67 million, plus more for renovations on the current county annex on 2nd Street.

Roger Mellott, a Greene Township resident who has been in the area for more than 40 years, said he was interested in seeing the plans first hand.

As a Realtor, he used to come into the courthouse to search real estate-related records, and he believes the new facility is needed.

"I'm really impressed with the design," Mellott said, but added that $67 million is a lot to spend on the project.

Mellott said when the project first came up in 2009, the timing wasn't right.

Valerie and John Jordan, Fayetteville residents who moved to the area in 2012, said they came to the open house to get a better understanding of the cost for homeowners in the area.

The county previously projected an average increase of $29 a year on taxes for a homeowner of a $150,000 home. The Jordans were hoping to get a better understanding of the cost across the spectrum of homeowners.

The couple, along with others, sees significant need for parking, something the project planners are working on but haven't finalized.

Anna Shaffer, a Chambersburg resident for 23 years, said the pricetag caught her attention first, but she wanted to learn more.

"I knew it (the courthouse) was cramped," Shaffer said. "Understaffed at times."

She believes efficiency will improve with a new facility, although she still has questions regarding the current plan.

The Jordans said they came with open minds but also questions. After talking through the plans with Commissioner David Keller, they not only understand more about the project, they feel "very favorable" toward it.

Keller said he has received suggestions about what information should be presented to the public, including cost and how many buildings the project entails.

He said he received suggestions regarding creating a pedestrian zone downtown that could offset the costs off the project, instead of raising taxes, along with location suggestions. He also heard more about parking, and said "we are going to provide adequate parking to the public."

Project manager John Hart said so far they have had a positive response to the project, despite some early questions about the expense.

Hart said they may not be totally on the same page as everyone with questions and concerns, but the response has been favorable, so they will continue with their outreach on the project.

Keller said there is no clear timeline for when commissioners will vote and get the project off the ground. But, because of how long the project would take, they are hoping to make decisions sooner than later.

"I see no reason why we can't do it in the near future," Keller said. "If we decide to move forward, we've done a lot of the framework. We'll be ready."

A second open house will be held Tuesday, Jan. 16, from 4:30 to 6 p.m..

Becky Metrick, 717-262-4762