Plans for city hall move meet with opposition
NORWICH – After holding the first of at least two public meetings to discuss the possibility of moving city hall offices to the third floor of the firehouse, the City of Norwich Common Council heard some comments against the move at the regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday night.
Last Wednesday, a few individuals attended the city’s special meeting of the council and voiced questions and concerns pertaining to the possible move of city hall offices to the currently unfinished third floor of the firehouse. While city officials said answers to the questions in many cases were not readily available, they compiled a list of the questions asked and ensured answers would be provided as they are obtained.
City residents asked about the possibility of obtaining grants to fund the renovations, if there was a way to renovate an area on the first floor instead of the third, if handicap accessibility would be a problem, if adequate parking was available in the lot behind the building for city personnel, taxpayers and emergency responders and if pedestrians trying to gain access to the building would be safe when emergency personnel were arriving at the station to respond to a call.
The council heard more comments on Tuesday night. City resident and business owner Tom Morrone expressed his displeasure with the proposal. “I have not heard one person in the city, other than government officials, who has liked the idea,” Morrone said. He told the council the original funding obtained to renovate the firehouse was received for the firehouse, not city hall.
Mayor Joseph Maiurano said nothing had been decided yet and that the city is trying to obtain input from the community. “We’re looking at ideas of consolidation and cutting expenses through consolidation. If people want us to stay in the depot and keep the building, fine, but to move forward we have to put everything on the table and come to a good decision.”
Morrone added that just because the city saw a potential cost savings does not mean the move is a good idea. “That’s not always the best thing,” he said, pointing out that traveling to the third floor might be difficult for older residents. “There are a hell of a lot more people here over 55, than under 55,” Morrone said.
A second hearing on the proposed move will be scheduled at a later date.
Last Wednesday, a few individuals attended the city’s special meeting of the council and voiced questions and concerns pertaining to the possible move of city hall offices to the currently unfinished third floor of the firehouse. While city officials said answers to the questions in many cases were not readily available, they compiled a list of the questions asked and ensured answers would be provided as they are obtained.
City residents asked about the possibility of obtaining grants to fund the renovations, if there was a way to renovate an area on the first floor instead of the third, if handicap accessibility would be a problem, if adequate parking was available in the lot behind the building for city personnel, taxpayers and emergency responders and if pedestrians trying to gain access to the building would be safe when emergency personnel were arriving at the station to respond to a call.
The council heard more comments on Tuesday night. City resident and business owner Tom Morrone expressed his displeasure with the proposal. “I have not heard one person in the city, other than government officials, who has liked the idea,” Morrone said. He told the council the original funding obtained to renovate the firehouse was received for the firehouse, not city hall.
Mayor Joseph Maiurano said nothing had been decided yet and that the city is trying to obtain input from the community. “We’re looking at ideas of consolidation and cutting expenses through consolidation. If people want us to stay in the depot and keep the building, fine, but to move forward we have to put everything on the table and come to a good decision.”
Morrone added that just because the city saw a potential cost savings does not mean the move is a good idea. “That’s not always the best thing,” he said, pointing out that traveling to the third floor might be difficult for older residents. “There are a hell of a lot more people here over 55, than under 55,” Morrone said.
A second hearing on the proposed move will be scheduled at a later date.
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