For
Immediate Release:
July 9, 2020
Monmouth
County breaks ground for Courthouse West Wing Security Vestibule
FREEHOLD, NJ – Monmouth County officials held a
groundbreaking ceremony on July 9 to mark the start of construction of the West
Wing Security Vestibule, which will incorporate the latest security innovation
to enable the Sheriff’s Office to safely and efficiently screen all building
occupants, at the Monmouth County Courthouse.
“The County is proud to break ground on this
important construction project today,” said Freeholder Director Thomas A.
Arnone. “Ensuring the safety of everyone who goes in and out of the Monmouth
County Courthouse is absolutely essential and the construction of this new
security vestibule will help make that possible.”
The purpose of the project is to ensure safe
entrance and exit for the general public, Court officials and staff from the
building.
“The new security vestibule demonstrates the
County’s commitment to the safety of the judges, jurors, public and the Sheriff’s
Officers,” said Freeholder Lillian G. Burry. “The new space will give the
Sheriff’s Officers the space they need to efficiently and effectively perform
security measures, which is part of the Constitutional mission of the Sheriff.”
The Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office currently
performs security screening operations in the entrance hallways of the East and
West Wing. Both of these wings were
designed and constructed prior to the need for screening and, therefore, do not
provide the appropriate space for this essential operation.
“It is a great
privilege to be standing here today as we celebrate this groundbreaking, which
is a major step forward in public safety for all of us here at the Monmouth
County Courthouse,” said Sheriff Shaun Golden. “Each day, an average of
1,700-1,800 visitors enter the courthouse. It’s our duty to provide the utmost
of safety and security to members of the judiciary, court personnel, jurors and
the public.”
In addition to the construction of the West Wing
Security Vestibule, this project involves the reconstruction of the East Wing
Main entrance stairs, landing and handrails along with the restoration of
additional exterior entrance stairs throughout the three wings of the Courthouse.
All improvements will be completed in compliance with the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.
“The reconstruction of the West Wing
Security Vestibule and entrance will help ensure the safety and security of
more than 400,000 court users and staff that enter the building each year,”
said Monmouth County Assignment
Judge Lisa P. Thornton. “The Monmouth Vicinage
is thankful to our county officials for recognizing the critical need for
this project and for collaborating with us toward its successful completion.”
The approximately 3,400 square-foot
addition was designed to blend into the existing architecture and character of
the building.
Construction is anticipated to be completed by the
winter of 2022.
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