Natasha Williams
Robbinsville – The workshop that preceded Tuesday’s Graham County Board of Commissioners meeting provided some crucial insight on the planned construction of a new justice center.
Presenters from Moseley Architects were on-hand to analyze three sites the county recently put its eyes on – and all three are located along Old Tallulah Road: a pair of privately-owned properties, as well as county-owned land off P & J Road.
Moseley Architects said the location across from the health department – just recently acquired by the county – would be the favorable option. The lot sits as an empty field right now, but ample parking is already in place for the health department/social services building; there is expansive space to build on; and the construction might even warrant the addition of a long-rumored connector for P & J Road to U.S. Hwy. 129 (Tallulah Road).
The board of commissioners are not ready to narrow down the search to one site. However, the general consensus was that building the much-needed justice center would be preferred at P & J; the former site of the Stanley Furniture Plant off Snowbird Road; or one of the private properties off Old Tallulah.
Each site has its advantages and disadvantages. Department of Transportation right-of-ways have to be ironed out and – in the case of P & J – a lot of concern was shown toward the safety of the youth athletes that frequent the recreation department for youth football, soccer, baseball and softball.
“I don’t think we could ever make the public feel comfortable,” cautioned board vice chair Natasha Williams, who attended the meeting virtually.
Moseley added that the justice center would house the sheriff’s office regardless, so extra security would be on-site at all times. The firm believes that careful landscaping and thick fencing would curb any potential issues.
Funding has been in place to at least break ground on the project for years. In addition the aforementioned sites, the county has scouted locations in downtown Robbinsville (where the current courthouse sits); Ford Street; West Fort Hill Road; and a pair off Tallulah Road itself.
The selection process has been slow, but the methodical nature has been intentional.
“We’re studying it out for sure,” commission chair Jacob Nelms said. “It’s a big decision.”
A public survey and/or hearing was discussed as well, to receive input before a final location has been determined.
-Next week: Updates on correcting lead-based paint at jail and the county’s 2024-25 budget.