Hampden County officials oppose Springfield courthouse site in letter to Healey

Controversy continues surrounding the new Springfield Courthouse with elected officials now voicing their opposition in a letter to the governor. 22 News reporter Claire Overton joins us live in studio with what the letter says and what the officials want to see happen. Ciara and Christina, the courthouse project continues to draw more controversy, this time from officials who say they didn't get their voices heard during the contract process. There's just no comparison. Progress is moving forward with the new Springfield Courthouse, but many people are still in opposition. Four elected officials in Hampden County sending a letter to Governor Maura Healey at the end of September. And in that letter, writing, quote, We write to express our concerns about and unequivocal opposition to the Liberty Junction site, which has been chosen by your administration. Those elected Hampden County officials include Sheriff Nick Cochie, Register of Deeds Cheryl Coakley-Rivera, Register of Probate Rosemary Sacamani, and Clerk of Courts Laura Gentile. They asked us to grade the projects in accordance to what we liked best on down. The two finalists, Dwight Street was number one, Riverfront was right up there, Liberty Street didn't even make the cut. In a statement sent to 22 News, DCAM saying they, quote, made extensive information about the selection process publicly available. And DCAM, the trial court, and Liberty Junction have all engaged local officials. Gentile saying that is misleading, telling 22 News they had two visits from the trial court, which she says is not enough to be able to adequately understand their day-to-day lives within the Roderick, Ireland courthouse. One of the reasons she said Liberty Junction's proposal was not on her radar. They had the clerk's office four floors down before underneath the courtrooms. That says to me you have no idea what my business is. We run in and out of courtrooms in the office back and forth all day every day. Gentile says they have yet to hear back from the governor or DCAM after sending their letter. She also said there are plenty of other concerns, including parking, land ownership, terms in the lease, and more. But in all of this, she said they're not giving up. Working for you, Claire Overton, 22 News.