Once the new courthouse opens, the borough's three Family Court judges will join the Surrogate's Court at 18 Richmond Terrace, moving down the street from 100 Richmond Terrace. And two civil term acting Supreme Court justices who handle the matrimonial and integrated domestic violence parts will remain at 18 Richmond Terrace. The civil term justice at Borough Hall will move to the new complex.
New York City Civil Court will not be moving, continuing to operate about 2 1/2 miles from the new complex.
Younkins said that one of the construction setbacks were defects discovered in exterior concrete panels fabricated off-site. The panels did not meet "wind load" specifications and required additional fastening, he said.
Hurricane Sandy presented other challenges.
Although parts of the borough were devastated by the storm, St. George, which mostly sits on high ground overlooking the Staten Island Ferry Terminal and New York Harbor, was relatively unscathed.
Still, according to the Dormitory Authority, a few weeks of work time were lost because the construction site had no power and then limited power. Extended transportation problems also barred some workers from getting to the site.
Nonetheless, court officials say they are undaunted by the delays.
"We don't mind anybody taking their time as long as they get it right the first time," said Staten Island Administrative Judge Judith McMahon (See Profile).
McMahon added that she and other judges last toured the site in November.
"We were all very pleasantly pleased with how the courtrooms and chambers were looking," she said.
Subscribe to New York Law Journal
