The decision of Santa Fe County to terminate the productive discussion process about the courthouse design is truly regrettable.

Following unanimous adverse reaction to the proposed design this fall, the county reversed its refusal to allow public input and began a series of meetings to discuss the design plans. The attendance was a credit to Santa Fe's civic spirit.

Most of the architects who regularly design in the historic district and others on short notice rearranged their schedules to attend these meetings.

While the out-of-town architects employed by the county lacked the experience to design in the historic district, everyone agreed that substantial progress was being made, but that there was a lot more work to do.

The plans were presented to the city's Historic Design Review Board. The presentation was incomplete both as to details and due to the affirmative deception of not showing the two of the four façades that would be the most objectionable. These plans met with unanimous criticism, but the tone was optimistic based on the progress to that date and the expectation of further consultation.

That was a couple of months ago. There have been and are to be no more meetings other than one in late January to be limited to the topic of color. There are rumors of plan changes, but whether they add or detract is now a secret from the public. The courthouse is an important project and will be one of the most visible structures in town. For both the good of downtown style and tourism, and to express the importance of the justice system, this needs to be a well designed building. The expertise to assure this is offered freely by the community.

It would be a tragedy to avoid the input and review required to change this from the negative design last seen by the public into a truly positive addition to the city and the county of Santa Fe.

Santa Fean Richard D. Ellenberg is a retired land-use attorney and neighborhood activist.