Construction boom complicates harborside life in Moakley Courthouse

http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2015/09/30/courthouse/30bTnGW5ETYtEfKOut3BQM/story.html



Shadows from surrounding high-rise buildings were cast on the John Joseph Moakley courthouse.

Construction boom complicates harborside life in Moakley Courthouse
By Milton J. Valencia Globe Staff
October 01, 2015

For years, it was theirs alone — the acres of parking, the wide open boulevards, really the whole neighborhood. The judges, prosecutors, clerks and seemingly everyone else at the John Joseph Moakley Courthouse in South Boston treasured their remote enclave along the harbor’s edge with its stunning views of the sea and city skyline.

Then the cranes came, followed by buildings (big ones), and then thousands upon thousands of neighbors. All of which means that they’re not only administering justice in the hallowed courtrooms these days, but sharing gripes and complaints — of traffic, of a lack of parking, and most of all of the suddenly obstructed views.

One window looks into the glass walls of the nearby office tower. Another has a bird’s-eye-view of the personal business of guests at a hotel, meaning court employees who just saw judges in robes might also get a glimpse of men disrobing.

The sights go both ways, too: At a roof-deck bar, patrons might observe a jury deliberating; Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. employees can see into judges’ chambers.