Date: June 14, 2024
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 expressed gratitude to those who participated in the meeting and shared their thoughts and ideas.
Many attendees at the meeting articulated a preference for keeping the courthouse at its current location. The original concept of incorporating 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 numerous compromises to access, programs, and safety required to fit the new facility in the limited adjacent space were deemed too many to overcome.
The MJB emphasized its focus on providing a facility that is accessible, safe, dignified, and capable of serving 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," stated an MJB representative. "We will share more information throughout the process and continue to welcome input from the citizens who will be served by the new facility."
Supporting documents:
Release on Ellsworth Courthouse Site