Rep. Connolly urges priority for restoring Cambridge District Court space and access to justice

State Representative Michael Connolly told the joint committee that House Bill H.3309 would facilitate access to justice in Cambridge by encouraging the Commonwealth to prioritize trial-court needs when disposing of publicly owned buildings in the city.

Connolly described how the Cambridge District Court has sat in Medford since 2009 and said there is a vacant former probate and family court building in Cambridge’s Registry of Deeds that could be considered for court use or as swing space during future courthouse planning. He said he had consulted with the Division of Capital Asset Management (DCAM) and trial-court officials and that they had been receptive to considering the building.

Why it matters: Connolly and other supporters argued that returning local district-court capacity would improve accessibility for Cambridge residents and reduce travel burdens; the bill is intended to create preference or priority for court uses if the public property is disposed or repurposed.

What was said: Connolly noted possible regional planning for a Southern Middlesex Regional Justice Center and suggested the vacant registry/probate space could serve as swing space. He said the Commonwealth invested state funds to renovate that facility for use as an emergency family shelter in a recent episode, indicating the building has seen recent capital investment. Committee members asked about ADA compliance and coordination with the secretary of state’s office; Connolly said he had been in regular contact with trial-court staff and the DCAM.

Decision status: the committee heard the presentation and took no vote on H.3309 during the hearing.