MAYVILLE - County Executive Gregory Edwards Friday announced that the last of a three-part overhaul of the physical plant of the courts in Chautauqua County has been completed. 

In 2007, Family Court moved from the Gerace Office Building into the remodeled, former Mayville School. The new facility provides room to work and serve Chautauqua County families in an atmosphere of safety and dignity. The space that was vacated by Family Court in the Gerace Office Building has been remodeled for use by Supreme, County and Surrogate’s Court.

The new facilities provide a safer and improved environment for the handling of growing court caseloads and for the expansion of an Integrated Domestic Violence Court, said Edwards. In 2008, the number of felony cases in Chautauqua County increased by 11 percent from the previous year.

Courtrooms have been renovated to provide handicap accessibility, better lighting and sound. One key focus was to create a more “juror friendly” environment.  Prior to the renovations, summoned jurors would report to the hallways of the courthouse to wait to begin their service in a courtroom.  A jury assembly room on the second floor of the Gerace Office Building was added and contains televisions, reading materials and wireless internet access. Attorney - Client conference rooms and a grand jury room were also added.