CAMDEN COUNTY ENVISIONS NEW COURT FACILITY IN DOWNTOWN CAMDEN

For Immediate Release: April 10, 2008

Contacts: KEN SHUTTLEWORTH
               cell (609) 472-8837

Camden County government, acting through its economic development arm, the Camden County Improvement Authority (CCIA), has initiated the process of developing a new courthouse facility for the Camden Vicinage of the Superior Court of New Jersey.

County governments are required by law to provide and maintain facilities for the Superior Court. Camden County Freeholder Director, Louis Cappelli, Jr. cited severe space limitations and constraints at the Camden County Hall of Justice, which currently houses Superior Court offices and courtrooms.

Cappelli said the Hall of Justice would continue to house court rooms under the current plan. “The Hall of Justice is in good shape; it just isn’t large enough,” Cappelli said. He added that he and his colleagues on the seven-member freeholder board are also considering the possibility of consolidating other county offices in the new facility, including the Prosecutor’s Office.

At this point, Cappelli said it is too early to discuss project specifics. “There are many issues to be considered and resolved, but we do know that government needs to work smarter and more efficiently in order to make every tax dollar count,” said Cappelli.

Superior Court Assignment Judge, Francis J. Orlando expressed his support for the project. “The construction of a civil court building and renovation of the Hall of Justice will be the culmination of a process begun more than eight years ago. Overcrowding and security concerns at the Hall of Justice will be resolved by this project. It will enable the Superior Court to provide judicial services to the community in the most cost effective, safe, and dignified manner consistent with the best interests of the Camden County Taxpayers,” said Orlando.

Eric Spevak, President of the Camden County Bar Association said he supports the project and appreciates the Freeholders effort to construct this new building. “I am delighted by this development, as construction of a new Camden County court facility is my top priority as Bar Association President,” said Spevak.