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Bridgeport council adopts resolution opposing proposed closure of Magisterial District Court
Summary
Bridgeport Borough Council on Sept. 9 adopted a resolution opposing the proposed closure of Magisterial District Court 38-1-25 after residents and the business community circulated petitions and urged state and county officials to preserve the local courthouse.
Bridgeport Borough Council voted Sept. 9 to adopt Resolution 2025-17 expressing opposition to a proposed closure of Magisterial District Court 38-1-25.
The resolution, introduced during the council meeting at Borough Hall, followed remarks from community organizers and business leaders who said they circulated both an online petition and a paper petition to keep the court in town. Councilmember Hough moved to adopt the resolution; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.
Why it matters: Speakers said the local court supports access to justice, reduces travel burdens on residents and police, and brings visitors to downtown businesses. Business leaders and volunteers described outreach efforts, saying they delivered thousands of printed notices and gathered hundreds of digital signatures to urge county and state decision-makers to retain the courthouse.
Discussion and public comment: Council members and outside advocates described a multi-pronged outreach effort. A business association representative told the council, “We are here... on behalf of the business community in Bridgeport,” and said the courthouse draws people into town for court-related business. Council members noted they had shared information with state and county legislators and encouraged additional letters of support.
One council speaker reported an online petition had about 543 signatures and said a physical petition was circulating; another council member said residents and neighboring municipalities had begun to weigh in. Supporters warned that converting the court building to another use could increase parking congestion in the area and shift law-enforcement burdens to other jurisdictions.
Outcome and next steps: The council approved the nonbinding resolution opposing the proposed closure and encouraged continued community outreach to county and state officials. The resolution is a formal expression of the borough’s position but does not itself block any administrative action by counties or the state. Council members and business volunteers said they would continue collecting signatures and letters for the petition.
Ending: The council moved on to other agenda items after the vote. The transcript shows the discussion ran from the resolution introduction through community remarks and closed with a voice vote recorded as “Aye” and “That motion carries.”
