The Collin County Observer

Brutal fine for old courthouse

08/21/09

04:41:24 pm, by bill

, 250 words,

Categories: Observer Opinions, Law, Crime & Punishment, Quality of Life

Brutal fine for old courthouse

The Texas Historical Commission is mad at Collin County for selling the old McDonald St. Court House to the City of McKinney. You see, the Historical Commission is charged by law to preserve historic court houses.

While the county commissioners might not think of the 1979 building as "historic", and the City of McKinney obviously does not (they are planning to demolish the building), the Historical Commission disagrees.

The Historical Commission has characterized the old 6 story cube as a, "good example of a modern form of architecture known as Brutalism which is gaining notoriety and appreciation among architects and historic preservationists."

Regardless of the historical sensibilities of the state commission, the property has already been sold to McKinney, and now the commission has it's revenge.

Citing state law, the historical commission notes:

Texas Government Code § 442.008 (a) provides as follows: County Courthouses. “(a) A county may not demolish, sell, lease, or damage the historical or architectural integrity of any building that serves or has served as a county courthouse without notifying the commission of the intended action at least six months before the date on which it acts.”

Texas Government Code § 442.011 provides as follows: “Penalty. A person who violates this chapter is subject to a civil penalty of not less than $50 nor more than $1,000 for each day of violation.”

The Texas Historical Commission then levied a $1,000 fine against the county for violating 442.008.

On Monday morning, the Commissioner's Court will ratify a contract agreeing to the plea bargain and accepting the fine.

Bill

Permalink 2 comments

Comments, Pingbacks:

Comment from: Chuck Bloom [Visitor]

So the THC wants to preserve something that uses the term "brutalism????" Please, the quicker it gets torn down, the happier the citizenry will be. It's a piece of crap.

Permalink 08/21/09 @ 17:09

Comment from: JW [Visitor]

They just don't get it do they? The commissioner's court has reserved their right to exempt themselves from any state law or court ruling as they see fit.

The question isn't if the courthouse is a piece of crap or not Chuck, the question is, was state law followed? No, it was not and now we "the citizenry" will have to foot the bill to pay the fine.

The only thing needing torn down is Keith Self's brutally arrogant attitude.

Permalink 08/25/09 @ 04:06

It is my hope that this forum will serve as an acute observer of Collin County government, leading to the return of the county to those it is supposed to serve.

I will post my opinions, fair analysis, news clippings that are relevant to local issues, and your comments.

To post your comment, you may register, or you may post anonymously. Comments will be reviewed before being placed online.

Comments that I consider inappropriate will be deleted, and the commentator warned. All I ask is that discussions remain civil and courteous. The standard for comments here is "common courtesy".

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Bill Baumbach

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The Collin County Observer

Brutal fine for old courthouse

08/21/09

Brutal fine for old courthouse

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