Boschert backs Church Circle site for courthouse

County Council President David G. Boschert thinks the county courthouse ought to stay on Church Circle in Annapolis and plans to introduce a resolution that says so at tonight's council meeting.

"It is imperative that it stays in its present location, in my opinion," Mr. Boschert said.

To move the courthouse from the city's historic district would have a detrimental effect on the downtown economy, he said.

By introducing his resolution, Mr. Boschert will add his voice to the many who want to keep the courthouse where it is. The county has reached a tentative agreement with Annapolis officials to erect two new court buildings on the site next to the historic building if they are allowed to exceed the city's height and bulk guidelines.

County officials and the architect who designed the renovation and expansion will meet this afternoon with members of the Historic District Commission, whose approval is necessary for the guideline exemption to go forward. The meeting is scheduled for 3 p.m. at the Annapolis City Council chambers.

The latest courthouse plan -- which addresses most of the block between Franklin and South streets -- involves 12 courtrooms and offices in the two new buildings and restoring the original, historic courthouse for offices that would house the county executive and county council.