Bridgeport could lose its only district court, writes Jesse Bunch for the Philadelphia Inquirer.
The courthouse at Fourth and Mill Streets currently handles cases for Bridgeport, parts of Upper Merion, and even Pennsylvania Turnpike Traffic. But with longtime District Justice James P. Gallagher set to retire at year’s end, officials say there’s a proposal to fold the caseload into King of Prussia’s courthouse.
A PA spokesperson stressed no final decision has been made and that public comment would be part of any review. Still, Bridgeport officials argue closure would separate residents from a judge rooted in the community. “Our local cases would now go before a district justice with limited familiarity of the borough and its people,” officials wrote in a letter.
Police Chief Todd Bereda said the timing couldn’t be worse. The borough is experiencing population growth, new apartment construction, and a rise in police calls. State Rep. Tim Briggs has vowed to petition Montco Court President Judge Carolyn Carluccio to keep the court in place.
Meanwhile, a Change.org petition has gained more than 330 signatures to oppose the closing of the local courthouse.
Read more about the potential closing of the Bridgeport district court in the Philadelphia Inquirer.
