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The Greene County Justice Center in Catskill is expected to be completed by January or February of 2026. The $30 million project, which began construction in 2024, has faced several delays but is now progressing steadily. The center will house the Greene County District Attorney's and Public Defender's offices, as well as the state's Office of Court Administration. It will also feature a courtroom for small proceedings, though it will not accommodate jury trials.
Initially slated for completion in October 2025, the timeline was pushed back due to unforeseen construction issues. According to County Administrator Shaun Groden, the discovery of contaminated soil from a former jail's heating system caused significant delays, requiring the excavation of 400 cubic yards of soil. Despite these setbacks, the project remains $1.1 million under budget.
Groden stated that crews are currently installing carpets, windows, and heating systems. The construction site, located behind the historic Greene County Courthouse, occupies the former site of the county jail and sheriff's office, which were demolished in 2021. The new center will include a parking garage and office space for justice-related services. The county is financing the project with a combination of a $20 million bond and $8.8 million from its reserves.
The county is using a bond anticipation note for immediate expenses, with plans to secure permanent financing once interest rates become more favorable. Groden hopes for a fixed 15-year term at a 2.5% interest rate. The project has benefited from mild winter weather, allowing crews to make up for lost time.