NORWICH – Effective July 1, there’ll be no smoking on the grounds of the Norwich Town Hall.
At last week’s meeting, Town Supervisor David Law said he picked up the signs needed to indicate for everyone entering the building that smoking is not allowed anywhere on the premises. “They can smoke in their cars,” said Law.
At the prior month’s meeting, town resident Al Golden complained about the smell outside of the building, stating that people often gather near the front entrance when they smoke. “It stinks,” he said.
Throughout Norwich, the trend to completely ban smoking on certain public properties seems to be catching on as Chenango Memorial Hospital went “smoke free” earlier this year.
The “no smoking” policy adopted by the Town of Norwich will take effect July 1.
In addition to the changes outside the building, the town hall’s interior is changing as well. Construction began June 2 to create a “safer” environment in the building, said Law. A small courtroom is being built to house smaller trials, he said.
Law’s office that he now shares with Charles Green, the newly hired town code enforcement officer, has moved, and an office for the bookkeeper has been built.
The new courtroom allows defendants to go in easily without disruption to other town affairs. “There are safe panels too,” said Law, referring to additional security measures put in place. Construction is anticipated to be complete this week.
Covering half of the cost, Law said, is the state of New York Justice System. He said a grant from the state totals $2,900 out of the $6,500 that the project is expected to cost. “I have made application to get the rest of the cost covered,” said Law. If the state does not cover the bill, the balance will have be taken out of the town’s general fund.