Neighbors speak out at series of meetings on federal courthouse plans
07/15/2005
Eric Wellman
(Harrisburg) -- For the first time, residents of Harrisburg got the chance to learn more about plans to build a new federal courthouse. The U.S. General Services Administration held three public scoping meetings yesterday to give neighbors the opportunity to ask questions. All three of the sites the GSA is exploring would involve the use of eminent domain. At Hamilton High School on North 6th Street, it was nothing like the town hall meeting most folks expected. A brief Powerpoint presentation gave an overview of the project, then people had the chance to speak individually with representatives. Tamika Jackson has lived on North Seventh Street for 13 years and says she thinks the government has already made up its mind.
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GSA spokeswoman Gina Gilliam says Washington has not made up its mind yet.
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The government is looking at two sites on North 6th Street, and one on North 3rd Street across from the state Capitol. Gilliam says a decision will most likely be made by the end of the year.