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Commission denies courts’ request to close State Street public entrance, offers facilities’ alternative
Summary
After discussing accessibility, parking and screening logistics, commissioners voted to deny the courts' request to close the State Street public entrance to the courthouse and directed staff to pursue a facilities-suggested alternative (controlled elevator/stair access and signage).
The Hancock County Board of Commissioners voted Nov. 18 to deny a courts’ request to close the State Street public entrance to the courthouse and instead offered an alternative plan proposed by facility managers.
Facility staff described a plan that would restrict the ground-floor elevator and stairwell without closing the front door entirely: visitors would be screened in the foyer, elevator access to upper floors would require card access or staff accompaniment, and signage and procedures would guide visitors. Commissioners and facility staff discussed challenges for jury days, parking shortages near the alternate entrance, accessibility for people using wheelchairs, and how an unscreened visitor who wandered into circulation areas would be handled.
Speaker 2 moved to deny the courts’ request to close the State Street door to the public and to offer the courts the facility manager’s alternative plan; the motion was seconded and approved. Commissioners requested that the motion and alternative be incorporated into the minutes and for staff to present details on signage and escort procedures to ensure accessibility and security.
