DA workers to receive temporary new home

LYNN – Overcrowded and extremely cramped quarters in the District Attorney’s office at Lynn District Court have led to employees constantly bumping into each other and pleading for more space on a daily basis.The quest for locating a larger space in close proximity to the current office has been a priority for Assistant DA Charlie Grimes for quite some time. Until that larger space – approximately 4,500 square feet – within a half-mile from the court is found, Grimes said the office would partially and temporarily be relocating to City Hall on Jan. 22.”There’s just not enough room and frankly at the moment there are about 20 people in about 600 square feet of space,” he said. “So to some extent, we’re in the process of unscrambling some eggs.”Grimes said the new space, which is being offered by the city rent- free, would be located on the first floor of City Hall near Congressman John Tierney’s office.Mayor Edward J. Clancy Jr. said he is glad to have part of the DA’s office on board.”We’re going to have the local, state and federal government under one roof for a little while, just one big happy family,” he said. “They are as welcome as rain, but not snow.”Clancy said in order to make room for the DA, Tierney’s Constituent Representative Rosemary Sargent temporarily moved to another office.”I think they’re looking for more space because of health and safety reasons,” he said. “And looking for more space can be a long winded and complicated process, so we’re happy to help.”Roughly 18 desks are expected to be installed at the temporary office, leaving about eight of 20 desks remaining in district court.In addition to moving desks, Grimes said everything from creating new phone lines, to installing computers and splitting files must be done within the next three weeks.”It’s like directing a 1,000 person ballet,” he quipped. “There are various logistical details and we rely very heavily on the computer system. So, I imagine there will be a lot of running back and forth, but at least it’s only about 200 feet to the court.”While Grimes said some of the employees who prepare cases for upcoming trials and update files may essentially be moving permanently, others who take care of day-to-day tasks for current cases would remain in district court.The main bulk of the operation will be in City Hall for the interim.”Right now, witnesses are waiting in the hallway and they don’t have a place to hang their hat at the moment,” he said. “The reality really is that the courthouse is simply outdated.”Grimes said he is hoping to receive as many proposals as possible for the new space, preferably close to the courthouse.”If we have luck, we’re hoping to be in the new place by the fall,” he said. “In the interim though, City Hall has been kind enough to make some space for us and they have been marvelously helpful. We are sincerely appreciative.”