Power Back On, But Brookline Courthouse Remains Closed

The Brookline courthouse remains closed today after crews managed to restore power knocked out this morning by the failure of an underground transformer.

NStar spokesman Michael Durand said crews had an emergency generator in place by 1:30 p.m. and are now working on making permanent repairs. No one is answering phones at the court, which was closed down sometime this morning, and a recorded message says the courthouse is closed for the day.

Police Chief Daniel O'Leary said he has been in touch with clerk of the Brookline court since this morning and expects the court to reopen tomorrow morning.

A hand-written sign taped inside the front door of the courthouse this morning read, "Court not in session due to loss of electricity," and directed questions to the Brookline Public Safety Building next door. Officers stationed at the front desk were not aware of the closure.

With the court closed, the Brookline Police Department sent one prisoner to Dedham to be arraigned, while two others were released on bail. O'Leary said the department was also prepared to handle any emergency restraining orders that came, but did not have to issue any.

The Public Safety Building, located adjacent to the courthouse on Washington Street, had power throughout the day, as did Town Hall across the street. Utility crews were seen working further down Washington Street, and construction work is also underway in the library garage across the street.

Brookline's courthouse is owned by Norfolk County.