MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A week after the building of Shelby County's Juvenile Court closed down due to health concerns, court leaders still have no timetable as to when the building will reopen, saying it could take weeks or months.
Originally, the court was closed down temporarily on April 24, with the later announcements that asbestos, mold and lead in the building caused its closure.
"We had a trifecta here at 616 Adams (the Juvenile Court building), and that meant the building had to be closed by the Shelby County Health Department," said Memphis and Shelby County Juvenile Court Clerk Janeen Gordon. "I think they did the right thing."
Gordon added that there is no timeline as to when work will be started on the building, or when it is expected to end.
In the front door of Shelby County Juvenile Court, a sign says it is closed because of an imminent health hazard.
The hazards at the 1930s building were clear, with Gordon saying there were warning signs for years.
Previously, Juvenile Court Judge Tarik Sugarmon said there were items shoved into toilets that caused a biohazard.
"When you hear jokes, you kind of let it pass, but when you continue to hear those jokes, it’s like coming to work, makes me sick, (so) let’s look at that," Gordon said.
Months before the closure, the building had at least a dozen of air purifiers scattered throughout the building.
According to Gordon, the Juvenile Court building was not the only building being tested, saying she ordered a separate air quality test in the clerks office back in March. Results are not ready yet, she saids.
Currently, the court is holding hearings remotely. Any payments for filings must be made with a debit card or a credit card.