ELLSWORTH, Maine — Plans are underway to build a new Hancock County courthouse in Ellsworth, but state and local leaders have not yet found a location that's the right fit.
"We need to make sure that it's in the correct location," Michelle Beal, a city council member for Ellsworth, said.
The location would replace the almost 100-year-old courthouse located at 50 State St. in Ellsworth with a 25,000-square-foot building.
"For the city, it's important because we're the county seat, so we want to be able to provide the services that are required for the county as well as the citizens of Ellsworth," Beal said.
The city proposed to build the new courthouse on 120 Surry Rd. in Ellsworth.
"That has really been a controversy in Ellsworth," State Rep. Mark Worth, D-Ellsworth, said.
Worth said plans to build the courthouse on Surry Road have received pushback from residents.
"The Legislature has listened, the judiciary and state of Maine has listened, and we're continuing to work on what is the best location," Worth said.
Currently, the city is eyeing alternatives. One potential location is off High Street in Ellsworth, an urban location that would be more accessible to residents, and city leaders hope it could boost economic development.
"With this courthouse to go here is it adds a respectful amount of development in a beautiful area that the courthouse can be an anchor for the community in the years to come," Charlie Pearce, the city manager for Ellsworth, said.
Pearce said while this location has not yet moved forward, the city is working closely with the state and residents to find a solution to meet the community's needs.
"We want to make sure we continue that cautious optimism and each player in this process has a chance to weigh in," Pearce said.