Plans are underway to move the Town of Hamlin’s justice court out of the town hall and into the brick building at the rear of the town hall. Cramped quarters - the current court room is just under 500 square feet - is the reason for the move.

The brick building offers 1,680 square feet of space. Preliminary renovation plans have already been drawn up by an architect. The new court building would include a hearing room, office space and restrooms.

The Town of Hamlin has two judges, a court clerk and an assistant court clerk.

Supervisor Austin Warner said the town board and court staff are currently reviewing the plans. Hamlin has also consulted Clarkson’s court staff for reommendations. As soon as the plans are finalized, the project will be put out to bid.

A grant through State Senator George Maziarz’s office, originally intended to raise the town hall’s gym floor, will help fund the project, along with money the town has earmarked for building projects, Warner said. Additional grant monies may also become available, he said.

Warner expects the court staff to move into its new facility before the end of the year.