Massachusetts Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog

The new Taunton Trial Court and the $80 million judicial complex could help redevelop downtown and should bring new revenue to local businesses, the Taunton Daily Gazette reported.

Taunton criminal defense lawyers, prosecutors, judges, law enforcement officers and support staff will be using the new 147,000-square-foot facility by June. Standing at the corner of Broadway and Pleasant Street, the building will house the Taunton District Court, Juvenile Court, Housing Court and Probate & Family Court.

Restaurant owners are optimistic -- the food trailer in the parking lot leaves no doubt about the target clientele: Cops and robbers dressed as hot dogs adorn the walls. Menu items include "Big House Combos" and "Closing Arguments." And the Courthouse Cafe & Deli is already open -- ready and waiting for its namesake to follow suit.

The non-profit group, Heart of Taunton, which is dedicated to promoting downtown, hopes the new investment generates some synergy. "Generally, the feeling of businesses is that they're optimistic that it's going to create new business for the downtown," said Executive Director Julie Sprague.

The local Chamber of Commerce expects more than 1,000 people a day will visit the courthouse, which could create at least one potential headache: Parking. Officials are aware of the concerns and know that building the courthouse downtown may require additional accommodations -- many recent courthouses have been built in undeveloped suburbs for that reason.

The potential to create 300 new parking spaces is being studied and engineers are looking at adding a third story to the Leonard Street garage.