NORWICH – After more than a year’s worth of discussion about the possibility of moving City Hall to the third floor of the firehouse, plans have been stopped – at least for the near future.

After discussion at this month’s Finance and Personnel Committee Meeting, the firehouse issue was taken up by the Common Council. First Ward Alderman A. Anthony Abraham addressed the issue at Tuesday night’s meeting of the Common Council. Abraham told the council over the course of approximately three months, estimates for the job had taken as steep rise, with the new total arriving at nearly $420,000.

The city had already earmarked $280,000 for the project. “I suggest we use those funds to renovate the building we’re in now. That would cover the roof, heating system and the doors,” Abraham said. Abraham suggested the council hold off on the proposed move to the firehouse, saying it would still be there in the future. “The third floor is not produce, so it won’t spoil,” Abraham said.