Center should fit guidelines, be green

On May 7, voters will decide the fate of the proposed Johnson County Justice Center. Voters deserve assurance that a yes vote will result in a building that is compatible with the historic courthouse and energy efficient.

Because the courthouse is on the National Register of Historic Places, the justice center will follow federal guidelines for additions to historic buildings. These guidelines ensure that the old courthouse is not significantly altered, any addition does not appear to be part of it, any addition is at the rear or on an inconspicuous side, size and scale are limited in relationship, and materials used complement but do not mimic the old courthouse.

Participation in the MidAmerican Commercial New Construction Program provides computer modeling to determine the most cost-effective design for the building envelope and HVAC systems, and incorporates natural lighting, water conservation strategies, pre-consumer and post-consumer recycled construction materials, and heat-recovery systems.

Project opponents tend to focus on the jail, which comprises only 34 percent of the total cost. Currently, Johnson County spends more than $1 million per year housing inmates in other counties' jails.

Locating the justice center next to the courthouse would minimize vehicular transportation for the sheriff's office, the county attorney, judges and court support staff. The location is readily accessible to pedestrians, bicycles and public transportation, reducing the necessity for and environmental impact of automobiles.

Please vote yes for Johnson County.

Dwight Dobberstein

Neumann Monson PC, Iowa City