Smithville seeks grant for new justice facility
SMITHVILLE – The Town of Smithville is seeking a grant through New York State’s Justice Court Assistance Program to construct a facility for the town’s justice.
During a March town board meeting, Town of Smithville Justice Benjamin Kehl brought it to the board’s attention that the space reserved in Town Hall for the justice 15 years ago is now inefficient and not up to par with state standards. To satisfy state regulations, the justice needs a fireproof area for records and a separate chamber for personal consultations. Following a discussion with JCAP administrators regarding the current condition of the chambers, the board was encouraged to apply for grant funding.
Smithville Supervisor Fred Heisler said the application process would be the first step in a long process. The board approved Kehl’s request to obtain an application for the JCAP grant and suggested he apply for the maximum amount available, which would award the town $30,000 for the construction of a justice facility.
“If we’re not in compliance, we have to make changes some time,” Heisler said. With pending cuts in the state budget, funding from a JCAP grant may not be available next year, so the best time to consider a building project is now, he added
The Smithville Town Hall and Community Center was put on the National Register of Historic Places in the late 90s, making any potential construction a challenge. To maintain the building’s status as a historical landmark, the township has to meet certain standards with any addition to the building.
“We have a unique situation ... A lot of the projects we do have to fall into the look and feel that the national registry requires,” he said. “Our intention is to keep a new facility compatible with the rest of the building,” and with more than 13 acres of town property to work with, “there are a lot of options,” he continued.
Before becoming supervisor, Heisler headed a construction project that made changes to the building several years ago. He said additional changes seem unlikely.
“Right now, it doesn’t look like there’s any way to modify what we have,” he said. “It’s possible that we’ll have to build a separate structure.”
There are also other concerns regarding the necessary funding to carry out the project. While a $30,000 grant would be a good start, it would be up to the board to fund the remainder of the project – an endeavor that Heisler said he’s optimistic about.
“We’re fortunate to have a board full of some energized people. We’ll figure out a way,” he said. “I’m looking forward to it.”
Plans are to approve submission of the JCAP grant application by June. Applicants are usually advised of their eligibility within 60 days, meaning that any potential building would likely be put off until next year.
During a March town board meeting, Town of Smithville Justice Benjamin Kehl brought it to the board’s attention that the space reserved in Town Hall for the justice 15 years ago is now inefficient and not up to par with state standards. To satisfy state regulations, the justice needs a fireproof area for records and a separate chamber for personal consultations. Following a discussion with JCAP administrators regarding the current condition of the chambers, the board was encouraged to apply for grant funding.
Smithville Supervisor Fred Heisler said the application process would be the first step in a long process. The board approved Kehl’s request to obtain an application for the JCAP grant and suggested he apply for the maximum amount available, which would award the town $30,000 for the construction of a justice facility.
“If we’re not in compliance, we have to make changes some time,” Heisler said. With pending cuts in the state budget, funding from a JCAP grant may not be available next year, so the best time to consider a building project is now, he added
The Smithville Town Hall and Community Center was put on the National Register of Historic Places in the late 90s, making any potential construction a challenge. To maintain the building’s status as a historical landmark, the township has to meet certain standards with any addition to the building.
“We have a unique situation ... A lot of the projects we do have to fall into the look and feel that the national registry requires,” he said. “Our intention is to keep a new facility compatible with the rest of the building,” and with more than 13 acres of town property to work with, “there are a lot of options,” he continued.
Before becoming supervisor, Heisler headed a construction project that made changes to the building several years ago. He said additional changes seem unlikely.
“Right now, it doesn’t look like there’s any way to modify what we have,” he said. “It’s possible that we’ll have to build a separate structure.”
There are also other concerns regarding the necessary funding to carry out the project. While a $30,000 grant would be a good start, it would be up to the board to fund the remainder of the project – an endeavor that Heisler said he’s optimistic about.
“We’re fortunate to have a board full of some energized people. We’ll figure out a way,” he said. “I’m looking forward to it.”
Plans are to approve submission of the JCAP grant application by June. Applicants are usually advised of their eligibility within 60 days, meaning that any potential building would likely be put off until next year.
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