KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – It appears that the new Kalamazoo County Justice Center Project in downtown Kalamazoo won’t be done on time, and Kalamazoo County Officials say they wish they had known sooner that it would be delayed.
Now instead of early October, officials say it’ll take until early December to get the building ready. Construction Manager Jerry Vanderveen, who is in favor of the later completion date, says it shouldn’t be a problem because it won’t add to their costs.
Board Chair John Taylor strongly disagreed saying the logistics for the transition were set to an October 6th date, and that commitments had been made, movers had been contracted, trial dates had been set, and that the rental on the current courthouse will now have to be extended.
Putting in their two cents, commissioners Jen Strebs and Jeff Heppler say the delay will creates all kinds of problems, costs and confusion.
Vanderveen indicated until recently, he thought they might still make the deadline, but that the delay itself is now beyond his control.
reporting from John McNeill
I am fearful that someone is going to be hurt in this structure! I am amazed that we had the beautiful courthouse on East Michigan with antique everything and then chose this very abstract Art Deco style structure. But then……..residents’ comments are never considered, Sad commentary, again, on Kalamazoo.