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Mayor's budget plan includes funding to demolish old courthouse

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Green space could replace the old Duval County Courthouse, if the mayor’s budget proposal is approved.

The city would spend $4.2 million on demolishing the courthouse while also removing asbestos from the site. Some people who pass by the building frequently told Action News they welcome the plans.

“Right now, it's kind of just an eyesore,” said Scott Morrison, who works downtown. “And realistically, the cost of tearing it down is probably way less than the cost of revamping the building and turning it into something worthwhile.”

“Why get rid of the asbestos if they're going to tear it down?” asked Michelle Kronen.  “I think they need to make it into office buildings and condos.”

But the Brown Administration believes demolishing the building is best, for now.

"We know there's high demand for that location,” said Dave DeCamp, a city spokesperson. “It's (on the) riverfront and we want to start taking steps to activate that site."

If the council approves the plans, could begin on the site as soon as this fall. The work is expected to be completed in 2016.