Guv: We can't afford new courthouse now

Although state legislators have given the green light to a new courthouse in Philadelphia for juvenile and domestic cases, it looks like the poor economy will curtail funding for the project for now.

The state's capital, or public-works, budget, approved last week, contains a $200 million appropriation for a new, consolidated family court at 15th and Arch.

But, because of the troubled economy and "overall costs to the commonwealth," Gov. Rendell has said that it was "unlikely to be funded" now, according to his spokesman, Chuck Ardo.

Rendell is, however, "still open to discussing the future of the family courts with both those involved with the court system and the city," Ardo said yesterday.

Despite Ardo's unwelcome news, the court system is contemplating going ahead with the planning stages of the project, as it seeks talks with Rendell, state Chief Justice Ronald ...