Consider spreading out Hamilton County courts

Regarding [Hamilton to expand judicial center, Sept. 7], has any thought been given to separating the civil courts in multiple locations, such as central Fishers (which has lots of room, with all the local construction projects nearing completion around the municipal government center), Carmel, Westfield and the Geist area?

Parking is already limited in downtown Noblesville. The number of courts being added would turn a quiet, charming downtown into a center for gridlock. Carmel and Fishers already have municipal courts. Why not expand those facilities to hold two to four Superior Courts for civil cases, leaving higher criminal cases in Noblesville, near the local jail?

Many counties in Indiana have one major city or town. Hamilton County has MANY, each of which continues to grow. I’m sure a lot of people would appreciate being able to visit other county offices at branch locations in their own communities.

I don’t know what level of communication takes place between county and municipality officials when plans like this are being developed. But I bet a number of affected Hamilton County communities would have space that could be transformed and either rented or purchased for county court and government use.

Please explore those options to see whether it would make sense. It might be less expensive, but even if it isn’t, the additional convenience of a more local presence and the possibility of reducing congestion and not having to rebuild charming, historic downtown Noblesville make it well worth our while to think outside the box here. Do other Hamilton County residents agree?

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Karol Krohn
Fishers