Cambridge District Court Eyes Medford Building
The Cambridge District Court, pictured at left, is currently sharing space with several other courts and law enforcement offices in this Cambridge high-rise. Courtesy photo.
– Allison Goldsberry
Though the Cambridge District Court metes out justice to Cambridge, Arlington, and Belmont residents, its new home could soon be in Medford.
The state is considering 4040 Mystic Valley Parkway as the court’s new location and the court could be open for business as soon as November.
The proposal has raised several questions and concerns for both city officials and residents alike. The City Council met on the topic last week and discussed it again at their meeting Tuesday night.
City Councilor Michael Marks said though he is not opposed to courts, he is concerned with locating the court near busy Wellington Circle, an area known for its traffic and congestion and that is also close to schools and residential neighborhoods.
“With a courthouse, you’re attracting criminals. You’re attracting a criminal element into an area,” said Councilor Marks.
The issue of public safety, including the possibility of drug-testing at the court and the use of Medford police and fire officials for emergencies, was a concern for both councilors and residents at the meeting.
The Council will look at similar district courts, such as those located in Malden and Somerville, to get an idea of the impact such a court would have in Medford.
According to Councilor Marks, the state plans to spend $9 million in renovations to the building to create thirteen cells and three court rooms and is pursuing a 5-year lease with an option to renew.
The building is currently owned by Sydney Wolk and was once occupied by the Cross Country Group.
City Council President Stephanie Muccini Burke said the court is looking into creating parking for up to 160 cars and the possibility of a shuttle from Wellington station.
City Councilor Robert Maiocco said he was surprised the state has set a target construction date of June and hopes to be fully operational by November, given potential zoning restrictions.
City Solicitor Mark Rumley said the city is looking into whether the state is exempt from Medford’s zoning laws, which require special approval by the Council and Zoning Board of Appeals for locating state offices in an industrial zone.
The Cambridge District Court is currently located in a high-rise building in Cambridge near the Cambridgeside Galleria mall and has to move due to asbestos problems.
According to Councilor Burke, Wolk was the only bidder for the project.