Chatham County Courthouse opens amid layout concerns

Yahoo

6 days ago

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — This morning, a new chapter begins for the Chatham County court system. After decades of planning and more than $80 million in SPLOST funding, the new courthouse officially opens its doors.
This new courthouse behind me has been in the works for more than two decades.It's called the Judge Eugene H. Gadsden Courthouse, and starting this morning, it will handle all state and superior court cases here in Chatham County.
This project has been 25 years in the making. Sheriff Richard Coleman told us; deputies are in place and prepared to secure the building as hearings get underway. He also said law enforcement and court officials have worked together to make sure today's opening runs smoothly. However, some local attorneys have concerns about the courthouse's design and safety features.
'Private counsel and the public defender's office. We've always had to walk from outside into the courthouse. I've never in any of my divorce cases, transported two kilos of cocaine across the street, like the DA's office might, or a gun or any of that kind of stuff,' said Anthony Burton, an attorney in Savannah.
The new building was funded through more than $80 million in SPLOST dollars. It should be noted that the old Coleman Courthouse will continue handling probate, magistrate, and recorder's court services.
Several hearings are already on the docket Monday morning… including a high-profile homicide trial. WSAV will continue to follow how the first day unfolds and the concerns raised by attorneys are addressed in the coming weeks.
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