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WHEREAS, other sites that meet these same criteria would require considerable time and expense in acquiring and/or assembling those sites; and WHEREAS, the Property is already owned by the Greater Portsmouth Development Corporation in which the City of Portsmouth is a one-third member, and thus planning, design work, and construction can commence forthwith, without either the delay, the expense, or the uncertainty associated with the acquisition of privately owned property; and WHEREAS, the Property is large enough to accommodate at a later time the future addition ofreplacement courthouses for the General District Courts and Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts so that it will become a comprehensive and integrated Courts Complex for the City of Portsmouth (the "Courts Complex"); and WHEREAS, development of the Courts Complex on the Property, if done with proper architectural design, quality, and dignity, will create a new gateway for entrance into the City of Portsmouth that will materially enhance the image of the City, increase the potential for taxable development of other properties throughout the downtown area, and ultimately make possible the private, taxable development of the property currently occupied by the Civic Center; and WHEREAS, it is imperative for public safety and the public interest that development of the new Circuit Court courthouse at this location proceed forward promptly, without further delay, and that the design ensure the safe accommodation of all involved in the court processes; NOW. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Portsmouth. Virginia, that: I. The City of Portsmouth hercby designates the Property as the location for the new Circuit Court Courthouse and ultimately for the Courts Complex. 2. The City Manager is directed to move as quickly as possible to take all steps needed to proceed with the development of architectural and engineering designs and plans for the new Circuit Court courthouse at this location, with the design and materials to be commensurate with the required dignity and importance of this location as a gateway for the historic downtown area of the City, balanced with fiscal responsibility, followed by the award of a construction contract. The estimated award of construction shall be made on or about July I, 2008, and the estimated completion date shall be on or about July 1,2010, subject to such scheduling contingencies as may be encountered beyond the control of the City administration. 3. The City Manager is further directed to develop a master plan for future relocation of the General District Courts and the Juvenile, the General Relations District Courts, and related operations necessary to support the Courts Complex to the Property, so as to comprise the Courts Complex. with said Master Plan to respect the reasonable needs of the judicial system and also the City's financial condition and debt policy. The master plan should include other considerations such as the Police Department, Jail and requisite parking.