Issue date: 4/16/07 Section: Campus News

Media Credit: Patti Gunderson Eau Claire County has presented three different construction options for its courthouse, which city officials say is in need of an expansion. The county is seeking input from residents about the plans.

The Eau Claire County Department of Planning and Development is currently accepting comments from the public on the planned expansion of the county courthouse and jail.

The County Board's Space Needs Committee is reviewing three different construction options: to build a new county jail and courts facility; remodel both the law enforcement center and office spaces; and construct new parking areas.

Mel Erickson, director of planning and development for Eau Claire County, said many of the comments have concerned the cost of the project, though he added others have expressed worries about the effects of the project on the community and river.

"Right now, it's hard to call a jail a benefit, but it's a necessity," he said, adding there is a common misconception about the purpose of a county jail. Inmates at the jail, he said, are often being held on only minor charges or are awaiting trial.

"It's a little different concept than a prison," he said.

Erickson said the current jail is in great need of expansion, saying the jail's population has been above capacity for the last several years.

Other aspects of the project include the construction of a new courts facility, remodeling and expanding the sheriff's and Eau Claire Police departments, remodeling office space, constructing several parking garages and parking lots.

The construction of the jail and courts facilities would require the removal of approximately 13 houses bounded by First Avenue, Second Avenue, Lake Street, W. Grand Avenue and Ann Street, Erickson said.

Junior Justin Verhasselt, who lives on the 700 block of First Avenue - a section affected by a courthouse expansion - said he doesn't think the city has done a good job of communicating with local residents.

"Honestly, we have no idea what's going on," Verhasselt said.

Senior Phillip Snyder, who also lives on the 700 block of First Avenue, echoed many of Verhasselt's comments, saying he isn't well-informed of the construction process.

"I just know that they're taking out some houses," he said.

Verhasselt and Snyder added they won't be affected by the construction, because they will have moved before construction begins.

Erickson said that nine meetings -two of which were open to the public - were held last week to discuss the expansion project.

He said at least seven more public meetings - one of which will be held on the UW-Eau Claire campus - will be held through the end of May.

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