SALAMANCA —A city courtroom built to meet growing space needs, heavier court calendars and a changing population has opened.

It took three years of planning to complete the new facility, which was required by the state’s Unified Court System to meet safety guidelines. The cost of the new facility is nearly $1 million, with the state picking up the tab on some expenses, such as furnishings.

The new facility was developed in the rear of the Municipal Center on Wildwood Avenue, in an area where volunteer firefighters once conducted meetings.

The courtroom replaces a cramped facility also used for City Council meetings in the front of the Municipal Center, currently being refurbished for other purposes. The City Council also meets in the new court facility.

The project doubled the seating in the 4,320-square-foot renovated area.

Two city judges hold court sessions on Wednesdays and Fridays.

“I can’t believe the size of the courtroom,” Judge William L. Gabler said.

Included are new offices for judges and a staff of three, a new jury room, new sound system, and special entrances for judges, the public and defendants and attorneys.

The new facility alleviates the problem of unsecured access for prisoners being brought from the jail to the courtroom. Previously they were led down a public hallway often lined with people waiting to get into court.

Court cases have increased since the Seneca Allegany Casino opened in the city in 2003.

Court Clerk Stella Johnston noted that last year criminal arrests totaled 1,130—up from 707 in 2003, and traffic arrests were 2,335, up from 910 in 2003.

Does the city have a crime problem?

Judge Ronald D. Ploetz, who holds court sessions on Wednesdays, noted that there hasn’t been a homicide since he was elected nearly three years ago. Ploetz is serving a six-year elected term. Gabler is appointed by the mayor and Council.

But Ploetz conceded there have been serious assaults, sex crimes and burglaries and, along with lesser crimes, enough to warrant two days of court sessions for the last three years.

Gabler said the court has a higher caseload than any other city its size in the state.