The Danbury City Council has formed an ad hoc committee to look into a proposal to apply to the state Department of Economic and Community Development for a $3 million grant to buy the Old Fairfield County Courthouse from Connecticut.  The proposed price tag includes two connected parcels for parking, repairs, sidewalk installation and intersection improvements at Park Place. 

The 1899 building is on the National Register of Historic Places.  The City could use the structure for the Danbury Museum and Historical Society, the Probate Court offices or the health department. 

The state Department of Administrative Services declared the building surplus and is asking $1.46 million.  Under this proposal, Former Congressman Jim Maloney says a nonprofit he advises, the Connecticut Community Facility Development Corporation, would own the title to the courthouse and lease it to Danbury long term at cost.  The City would pay only the utility bills. 

The courthouse was used by the state for juvenile court until six months ago.  A single-family home behind the courthouse would be razed and combined with a nearby parcel to create municipal parking.