Community Victory
After a months-long battle to stop the development of a new shopping mall on the location of the former Rivervalley Courthouse, residents, local businesses, and civic groups are cheering the decision to keep the 150-year-old building intact. - [1] - “We’re dissappointed,” added Branford Construction's CEO. “We felt that the community would benefit and grow, but obviously, residents want to preserve their history and I respect that.”
Instead, efforts are being made to restore the old deserted courthouse to its former glory. - [2] - “The community is getting together for this and we are collecting donations to have the building renovated,” said local resident Enid Tran. "We hope to make a public library or school out of the building.”
- [3] - “It’s been here for as long as I can remember. In fact, my grandfather worked as a clerk there,” added a local business owner, Kevin Lamb. “It’s an iconic symbol of our community and we don’t want it destroyed.” The community has already raised over $100,000 through an online petition and donations keep pouring in. - [4] - The community hopes that restoration of the building begins within the next couple of months
