MIDDLETOWN – It has been years since Middletown government purchased the former federal courthouse in the city, yet it remains unoccupied.
The State Office of Court Administration insists that the city build a second courtroom but has yet to agree to provide funding for it.
Mayor Joseph DeStefano is encouraged that an agreement can be reached.
“The courts are no longer the Middletown Court; they are acting like a regional court doing arraignments throughout the county, doing drug courts throughout the county agencies,” he said. “So we are willing to do our small part because there is a benefit to us if the court does relocate, that benefit being we will be able to expand our police department rooms and offices.”
Some police officers are presently housed in the basement of their facility and moving the court, would open up space for the police department.
DeStefano said the city is “willing to split the cost” of the $6 million court expansion with the state.
