Town Welcomes Courts

 

The Norfolk County court system - for years sprawled across various locations in three towns - is to be united, finally, in downtown Dedham.

 

The consolidation is part of the bond bill that lawmakers approved in the final hours of the just-concluded session, and, at week's end, was headed to the governor for his expected signature.

 

Bringing the far-flung parts of the county court to Dedham is being hailed as good for citizens and for the Dedham Square business community.

 

"It is so exciting if we can make justice more available. It's just common sense, playing on our strengths and being accountable," said state Senator Marian Walsh, a Democrat from West Roxbury who also represents Dedham, Westwood, and Norwood. Walsh initiated the plan.

 

"We're all excited from an economic stimulus perspective," said Town Administrator William Keegan. "It will support businesses, office space, and restaurants. There will be a greater level of participation. It's just great news for us."

 

Keegan said he expects the design phase for the Norfolk County Courts complex to last two to three years, with actual construction and renovation culminating in five or six years.

 

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