Get moving on new Portsmouth courthouse

Portsmouth's Circuit Court judges could be accused of impatience, but the charge isn't likely to stick. Thirteen years after they first pointed out the need for a new courthouse, they're now pressing the City Council to act.

Last week, the judges filed suit to require council members to appear in court Aug. 12 to explain why the city shouldn't be ordered to begin construction on a new court complex.

The judges took action a few days after the council expressed tentative support for a proposal to scuttle plans - approved last fall after much debate - to build a $45 million courthouse across from City Hall. Rather than construct a new building, the council is now considering spending $26.8 million to buy and convert an existing office complex in Port Centre Commerce Park.

The building would provide close to 72,500 square feet for courtrooms, office space and the Circuit Court Clerk's office, with additional room available for expansion. The prospect of saving $18 million is certainly appealing, particularly for a city that's just beginning to emerge from years of financial struggles.

There's little dispute that new court facilities are needed. Judges, citizens and prisoners share hallways and other common space in the current facility, creating a potentially volatile mix. In addition, the building has serious structural problems.

At this point, it's up to the City Council and staff to build a case strong enough to assure judges that the new location - about five blocks south of the existing courthouse - is sufficient to meet the court's immediate and future needs. They'll also need to demonstrate that the building could be retrofitted quickly; summer 2010 was the target date set by the council last fall.

The judges should be open-minded about the council's new plan. If it's possible to convert the Port Centre building into a courthouse that will safely serve the public and court personnel, then the savings are worth pursuing, and the judges should sign off on the proposal.

Absent that endorsement, however, city officials would be wise to proceed with the plans they approved last fall. They've already invested close to $2 million in design work on that courthouse. Further dithering and delays won't serve the interests of judges, council members or taxpayers.