Kick-start for the new municipal court in Trotwood

“It’s a lot,” he said. “It makes sense to have a court in the jurisdiction where we live because the police, they have families. Everyone is shorthanded. Everyone tries to attend all these court appearances. It makes sense to represent people where the tribunal is.

Montgomery County Clerk Mike Foley said the facility would improve people’s ability to get due process.

“Soon, residents of the western part of the county will be able to access court cases in a new efficient and accessible building that is worthy of them,” he said. “This new building is a renewed commitment to each other, to government and to the well-being of those we are privileged to represent. “

In addition to Trotwood, the West Division court serves Brookville, Clay Twp., Farmersville, Jackson Twp., Jefferson Twp., New Lebanon, Perry Twp., Phillipsburg and Verona. The Huber Heights East Division Court serves this community as well as Riverside.

Legend

Trotwood Mayor Mary McDonald takes a selfie during the grand opening of a new building in the West Division of Montgomery County Municipal Court in Trotwood on Friday, August 27, 2021. JIM NOELKER / STAFF

Credit: JIM NOELKER

Credit: JIM NOELKER

First announced in 2018 following recommendations from the National Center for State Courts in 2017, the Western Division move suffered some setbacks.

“COVID-19 and a tornado really delayed a lot of this big thing,” Trotwood Mayor Mary McDonald said.

“We believe this return to Trotwood will serve the citizens of this county, this division and adjacent municipalities, the access to justice they truly deserve in a timely and practical manner,” she said.

Earlier this month, county commissioners approved a construction offer of $ 6,211,000 by Brumbaugh Construction. The building is expected to be completed in fall 2022 and the court operational by January 2023, according to the county.

Montgomery County Commission Chair Judy Dodge said the facility will be state-of-the-art, equipped with the latest security features and digital audio, visual and presentation technologies to enable virtual sessions.

“This will simplify legal proceedings, creating a better experience for everyone,” she said. “The pandemic has gotten us used to having virtual events and in a way that was a good thing. “

Montgomery County Commissioner Carolyn Rice said the current New Lebanon court is not easily accessible by public transportation, a “major” factor in the decision to move to “a more centralized location” which will have a bus stop as well as charging stations for electric vehicles.

Rice said the location at 875 E. Main St. will also expand a growing Trotwood Civic Center. The site is near City Hall and directly across from Macgregor Drive, the new Trotwood branch of the Dayton Subway Library and the Miami Valley West Campus Community Service Center, Goodwill Easter Seals .

“This is absolutely the perfect location for this project,” she said.