There are two choices for a courthouse
– at the city-owned former Fremont School or out on Flynn Road
near the jail.
The state’s Administrative Office of Courts on Monday will give a presentation to the San Benito County Board of Supervisors, Hollister City Council and San Juan Bautista City Council about the location of a new courthouse.
The meeting is set for 6 p.m. Monday at Hollister City Hall, 375 Fifth St.
There are two choices for a courthouse – at the city-owned former Fremont School or out on Flynn Road near the jail. Many businesses have contended a downtown courthouse is necessary for the area’s economic vitality.
The state agency first had picked the Flynn Road site over the school – the preferred choice of a site selection committee made up of local officials. The state chose the county-owned site on Flynn Road because the old school needs seismic work done on it that would cost more than $200,000 and delay the project.
Last week, however, the office of the courts announced it was reconsidering its decision and that if a local source funds the seismic work and costs relating to delays, it would be willing to move forward with the downtown location.
County Administrative Officer Susan Thompson also noted today that if the community wants to come up with money for the necessary seismic work on the old Fremont School, the state would be open to building there. Thompson said there will be time for the community to ask questions during the meeting.
The Chamber of Commerce, Hollister Downtown Association and San Benito County Bar Association all have publicly criticized the selection at Flynn Road in recent months and asked for reconsideration of the downtown site.
