FOX 6 WBRC | Gadsden federal courthouse officials caught off guard by closure

Gadsden federal courthouse officials caught off guard by closure
By Christy Hutchings | FOX 6 WBRC | September 11, 2012

People who work at the federal courthouse in Gadsden say they weren't even notified of the closure and found out about the news through the media.

City leaders are also shocked and aren't planning on sitting back and doing nothing. The courthouse opened its doors more than 100 years ago so to hear it will be closed isn't sitting well with people.

A few months ago the city learned the courthouse could close. They were one of 60 courthouses across the country put on a list for possible closure. But even then, Gadsden wasn't worried because officials were lead to believe their courthouse would be OK.

"If you're 22nd on the list and they tell you were are only going to close 10, you assume it's going to be the first 10. That's common sense. We are really just hoping it's not going to happen," said Kay Moore with Downtown Gadsden, Inc.

Congressman Robert Aderholt, who has an office located inside the courthouse is trying to fight the decision. Moore says had the city not been mislead into believing they would be OK, they would have fought harder.

Moore says the city cannot tear the building down because it's been listed as a historic building. If the government doesn't reverse their decision, the city is determined to come up with an alternate use for the building.

Moore says one person has already come forward with the idea to turn the courthouse into a museum and restaurant. In the meantime, the city hopes that Aderholt can stop the closure.

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