The Massachusetts Bar Association congratulates the Trial Court officials and the plaintiffs representing courthouse employees and users for reaching a settlement agreement in the lawsuit over conditions at Springfield’s Roderick Ireland Courthouse.
The comprehensive agreement addresses health and safety concerns that courthouse employees and users have raised about the courthouse for many years. It includes a list of projects that will be undertaken to rectify environmental issues related to air quality, cleaning of the building, water and mold prevention. and plumbing and sewage. In addition to the promised renovations to the existing courthouse, the agreement calls for the state Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to conduct a “site assessment and feasibility study” to determine if a new courthouse is needed.
MBA President Thomas M. Bond said: “We are gratified that both sides have reached a fair resolution of the lawsuit, which will address the troubling environmental issues at the Roderick Ireland Courthouse. The agreement ensures that the Trial Court and its state partners will take proactive steps to better protect the health and safety of courthouse employees and users. We thank Trial Court leaders for collaboratively and fairly addressing the plaintiffs’ valid concerns, which we also shared.”