Legal News

Gillison: Family Court Ordinances Expected to Pass

By Brian Harris

By Amaris Elliott-Engel
Of the Legal Staff

Everett Gillison, Philadelphia deputy mayor for public safety, said today that he expects City Council to pass two "technical ordinances" that would allow the city of Philadelphia to support a new Philadelphia family courthouse at 15th and Arch streets in Center City.

The ordinances were introduced last week, Gillison said during the Criminal Justice Advisory Board meeting of the city's criminal justice stakeholders.

One ordinance would authorize the Department of Public Property to enter an easement agreement with the state Department of General Services to use 1515 Arch St. under certain conditions and to authorize the DGS to maintain a foundation encroachment under 15th, Arch and Cherry streets, among other undertakings.

Another ordinance would authorize the Department of Public Property to enter into lease and sublease agreements with the Philadelphia Municipal Authority and any other agreements necessary to construct and operate a new family court building.

The DGS is now accepting construction bids, and courthouse planners are trying to have construction contracts signed by early January before Gov.  Edward G. Rendell leaves office.

Full post as published by The Legal Intelligencer Blog on November 23, 2010 (boomark / email).