Dear Editor,
There is definitely something underway with the Greene County Commissioners to move all remaining judicial functions from our historic courthouse to the area on the outskirts of town where the rodeo arena is now located. It is not an attractive location and the route to get there leaves much to be desired. This area also houses the fire trucks, 911 center, driver’s license division, prison, animal control, polling place, etc. The “new courthouse” would be built where the arena is now and would then be known as the Judicial Center. The Arena would be moved to the Recreation Complex.
What is the source of my belief?
The minutes from a called meeting of the commissioners held on March 2ndat 8:00 am. There are three paragraphs dealing with the Judicial Complex, Arena, and financing the Judicial Center project. Here is the paragraph specific to the Judicial Center that causes me to come to the conclusion that the decision to move the judicial functions from the courthouse is pretty far along: “The Board received background information that the latest discussion concerning future needs of the Judicial functions in the Courthouse centered around converting the Arena to a Judicial Center. There was general discussions regarding the future of the Courthouse and ensuring the public that the County wouldn’t desert the building after the judicial offices move over to the new facility. Commissioner Filice motioned to approve the fee proposal for architectural services for the Judicial Center Project utilizing Prior Years’ Fund Balance of the General Fund. Commissioner Smith seconded. Motion carried unanimous.”
There is no mention in the minutes of why the move is necessary or what alternative options have been studied. Just look at the amazing jobs the surrounding counties—Oconee, Morgan, Putnam, Hancock, Oglethorpe, Clarke, Wilkes, and Taliaferro—have done with their historic, functioning courthouses.
Why should we care about this move?
The Greene County Courthouse is the oldestfunctioning courthouse in Georgia and is the finest example of Greek Revival architecture. It was completed in 1849 and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places—a designation that all Greene Countians should value.
The courthouse is a major traditional landmark, probably the most recognized landmark in Greene County.
The courthouse is also a symbol of Greene County as evidenced by its prominence on the Greene County logo. The illustration of the courthouse instantly communicates the concept ofcounty/unity.
Our courthouse is an important anchor in the downtown business district. It brings much-needed business and visitors to downtown Greensboro. When a new courthouse is built miles from downtown, it will bring about a significant loss of economic activity in the center of towneven if the old building is preserved and used for another purpose. The reality is that when courthouse functions and county employees move away, downtowns decline.
People have moved to Greene County mainly because of the lake and golf courses but many have come to understand and embrace the desire to preserve our local history.
Greene County’s Courthouse, the centerpiece of Greensboro, a landmark which contributes immensely to the local historical character, must be kept intact and functioning.
Thank you for reading.
Frances Strickland Lifelong resident of Greensboro