Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Wednesday, May 12, 1999

Release #168-99

Contact: Sunny Mindel/Jennifer Chait (212) 788-2958
David Bookstaver 212-428-2500 (Court System)


MAYOR GIULIANI AND THE OFFICE OF COURT ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCE AMENDMENT TO THE COURT FACILITIES MASTER PLAN

Provides For the Construction and Renovation of Court Facilities Throughout the City Includes Plan for First New Manhattan Supreme Criminal Courthouse in Over 50 Years

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani joined by New York State Chief Judge Judith S. Kaye announced today an agreement with the New York State Unified Court System to amend the City's Court Facilities Master Plan for the construction and renovation of courthouses throughout New York City. In addition, the new master plan will move forward the plan to develop the first new Supreme Criminal Courthouse in Manhattan in over 50 years located at 101 Centre Street. Joining the Mayor at today's press conference was Manhattan District Attorney Robert M. Morgenthau.

The plan will be financed by the State Dormitory Authority (DASNY), which issued $417 million in bonds in 1993 for the courts program and is expected to issue additional bonds this summer and again in 2000. The City will be responsible for the debt service on the bonds, with some State aid. However, the bonds will not count against the City's debt cap, and DASNY financing is expected to save the City and the State millions of dollars over the lifetime of the bonds. In addition, the amendment does not increase the overall cost of the Master Plan, which remains at $2.5 billion.

"I am proud to announce this agreement to amend the New York City Master Plan for the construction and renovation of the City's courthouses," Mayor Giuliani said. "This new plan provides an intelligent, comprehensive long-term strategy for the development, renovation and maintenance of suitable court facilities throughout the five boroughs. Unfortunately, as a result of decades of neglect, too many court buildings were in disrepair. This plan will ensure that our courtrooms are dignified places in which lawyers, judges, and residents of the City can be proud of their halls of government and where an overwhelming respect for the law is conveyed to everyone.

"The site at which we're standing will be one of the centerpieces of this plan, the first new Supreme Criminal Courthouse in Manhattan in over 50 years," the Mayor continued. "This plan also includes new court projects to meet needs in every borough -- including the Supreme Criminal and Family Court planned for Jay Street in Brooklyn; the new Family Court to be built on Archer Avenue in Jamaica, Queens; the Supreme Court, Criminal Branch to be built on 161st Street in the Bronx; and the combined Criminal-Family Court Complex in Staten Island. I want to thank Steve Fishner and the Office of the Criminal Justice Coordinator; Bob Harding and the Office of Management and Budget; and Chief Judge Judith Kaye, for their work on this plan, as well as District Attorney Robert Morgenthau, who long ago pushed for a Manhattan Supreme Court at this site and who has been instrumental in its coming to fruition."

Manhattan D. A. Robert M. Morgenthau said, "I have long supported the construction of a new courthouse at 101 Centre Street and welcome the renovation plans at 80 Centre Street for the Manhattan District Attorney's Office. Our criminal justice system needs and deserves adequate and modern facilities. Today's new construction plan is movement in the right direction."

Chief Judge Judith S. Kaye said, "The appearance and condition of a courthouse should reflect, not detract from, the gravity and seriousness of the business conducted within. Dilapidated, deteriorated courthouses have long been an unfortunate fixture in New York City, threatening to erode the public's respect for the courts and the judicial process. The City's new court improvement plan continues the City's commitment toward suitable and dignified court facilities and is a major financial commitment by the City. I applaud and thank Mayor Giuliani for his leadership on this important issue."

The plan, developed by the Criminal Justice Coordinator's Office, Office of Management and Budget and the Office of Court Administration, updates the City's master plan for the courts, and addresses many of the problems that have slowed or stymied prior attempts to renovate or construct City courthouses. Highlights of the new courthouse construction program include:

Manhattan

The plan for Manhattan, to be further developed by the State Dormitory Authority, the City and the Court System, will provide:

Brooklyn


Queens

Bronx


Staten Island


In addition to the specific projects in each borough, there will be Citywide improvements of existing courthouses involving modernization of building infrastructure, including Americans with Disabilities Act compliance, fire-safety projects, elevator modernization, electrical upgrades, air conditioning improvements, and enhanced security. A Citywide Records Storage Facility will be created to relieve space pressures in existing court buildings.

Chief Administrative Judge Jonathan Lippman said, "The City's new plan represents the latest in a series of significant steps this Administration has taken to improve courthouse facilities. In just the last few years, we have had the pleasure of opening up a number of modern new courthouses throughout the City and making necessary renovations in several others. I thank the City for its cooperation in working to provide the citizens of New York City decent courthouse facilities befitting the administration of justice and look forward to the expansion of this effort throughout all five boroughs."

Under State law, the City's revised plan is subject to approval by the Court Capital Facilities Review Board, which consists of Chief Administrative Judge Jonathan Lippman, as well as John O'Mara, who represents the Governor, Senator James Lack, who represents the Senate Majority, and the Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein, who represents the Assembly majority. The plan is expected to be presented to the Board this month.

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