Local News in Brief : Court Expansion Is Sought

There was an audible gasp from the Torrance City Council this week when the presiding judge of the South Bay Municipal Court suggested construction of an eight-story addition to relieve a shortage of space at the local courthouse.

Judge William Willett said he envisioned the Municipal Court occupying six stories and a dozen courtrooms in the new building, with the Los Angeles County Superior Court occupying another two floors and eight courtrooms. It would be the tallest building in the city’s civic center.

“How many floors?” Mayor Katy Geissert asked.

“Eight stories or less,” Willett replied.

“Underground parking?” the mayor asked.

No, Willett said, a multilevel parking structure.

Council members appeared to be amazed by the plan. Councilman Bill Applegate said the “high-rise and associated parking structure” would create “a massive number of problems.”

Willett encouraged the council to keep the court facilities in Torrance rather than see additional courtrooms established in Santa Monica or Long Beach. He promised that a structure could be built “that is compatible with the local environment.”

The council did not discuss Willett’s plan, but unanimously agreed to have City Atty. Stanley Remelmeyer send a letter to the County Board of Supervisors and the executive officer of Superior Court suggesting that the county lease additional space for the courtrooms needed in Torrance.

The letter suggests the county work with the city’s Planning Department in designing a courthouse addition that is “in harmony” with the surrounding government buildings.