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Judicial Branch Statement Regarding Not Building Ellsworth Courthouse on Current Site
Date: 6/14/2024
June 14, 2024, Augusta, Maine.
On April 30, 2024, Chief Justice Valerie Stanfill and several members of the Maine Judicial Branch (MJB) met with a group of citizens to hear concerns and suggestions about locating the new Hancock Judicial Center at 120 Surry Road in Ellsworth. The MJB is grateful to those who took the time to participate in that meeting and to share their thoughts and ideas.
Many at the meeting articulated a preference for keeping the courthouse at its current location. The original concept of incorporating the adjacent land to build a modern-day courthouse facility was rejected after land surveys and preliminary environmental assessments revealed significant issues regarding ledge and wetlands. Excessive costs and the numerous compromises to access, programs, and safety that would be required to fit the new facility in the limited adjacent space are too many to overcome. The MJB is focused on providing a facility that is accessible, safe, and dignified, and can serve the needs of all citizens of Ellsworth and Hancock County for decades to come.
We are continuing to evaluate the concerns that were raised about the 120 Surry Road site. We will share more information throughout the process and continue to welcome input from the citizens who will be served by the new facility.