The fate of the Summons Court, which was at the center of heated community debates and a lawsuit two years ago, has been decided. The court will stay within Community Board 1’s district at the Civic Center — not in Tribeca, the original plan.
The Summons Court needed to be relocated after the Bloomberg administration sold its home, the landmarked 346 Broadway to developer Peebles Corporation for $160 million.
In late 2013, the proposed new location was 71 Thomas St., or 40 Worth St., in Tribeca — much to the consternation of residents. They gathered a petition of more than 1,100 signatures against it and then some of the residents sued. The Bloomberg administration, eager to get the sale through, agreed to another location if the lawsuit was withdrawn, the New York Daily News reported.
“This was a huge win,” C.B. 1 Chairperson Catherine McVay Hughes said to applause at the board’s monthly meeting on Thurs., Feb. 5.
The Summons Court deals with minor infractions. Trials of those who contest their summons will take place at 111 Centre St. The city will shell out $20 million to renovate the 16th floor of the Municipal Building and the court is anticipated to open in spring 2017, the New York Daily News reported.
Also, due to the 346 Broadway sale, the Department of Probation Offices with Case Management Facility moved from 346 Broadway to 66 John St. in January 2014.
That move also triggered local opposition but FiDi neighbors were not able to stop it.
—Dusica Sue Malesevic
