COLUMBUS – Nearly a year after Columbus town residents passed a referendum to keep and preserve the former Columbus Town Hall, the 210-year-old building is now facing more uncertainty.
Since May, the old town hall on State Route 80 in the Town of Columbus has been vacant due to structural damages that make it unsafe for use, as deemed by building inspectors and engineers.
In September, the Columbus Town Board received an engineering report prepared by the Troy-based planning firm, The Chazen Companies. The document outlines structural damages that are visible and accessible, but excludes mechanical, electrical and plumbing assessments.
Findings conclude that the building is “in poor condition, and requires significant repairs in order to put the building back into service.” Engineers recommend upgrades to meet egress, fire, ADA and energy code guidelines; thus, the township ought to consider the cost benefit of repairing versus new construction.
The report outlines a number of safety issues, including a failed foundation on the building’s east side, a parking lot that drains water toward the outer walls, sag on the east side wall, poor insulating around the windows, and deteriorating floor beams, decks, railings and exterior paint.
The full report is made available on the town’s website, www.columbusny.us.
While the town board is committed to doing what’s feasible to save the Colonial style building – and has even earmarked money for repairs in the preliminary 2016 budget – there’s concern over the burden it will put on taxpayers, said Columbus Town Supervisor Tom Grace.
“The way I interpret it, this is going to be a very expensive project that requires a lot of work,” said Grace. “The condition of the building is serious, therefore it’s going to be a considerable project. It doesn’t mean we won’t do it, but it does mean we’ll have to phase it in.”
Grace added, “The way I look at it is the public has spoken. They want to keep it, and we’re committed to finding a way of doing it.”
The next step is to work with contractors to get a quote for repairs. Grace said hopes are to have numbers available to residents in time for the regular Town Board meeting on Thursday, Oct. 8.
In spite of significant structural damages that may come at a significant cost, there is a grassroots movement to preserve the building and keep proprietorship.
“I belive the community has rallied to invest in the repairs necessary to support and maintain the building, based on the vote and past budgets which have passed,” said Columbus Councilwoman Susan LaFever, noting that there are several volunteers who are eager to assist in fundraising and work to restore the building.
LaFever also pointed out that town officials have increased the budget line for building maintenance for the last three consecutive years, meaning there is money already set aside for repairs.
“In the past two years, $18,000 and $15,000 have been placed in a repair reserve, which could – and in the opinion of the community members I represent – should have been used to begin the structural repairs necessary.”
As for the latest Chazen Companies report: “I find very little new and valuable information,” said LaFever, citing previous reports which highlight similar structural concerns. “I hope the town board will move forward to begin the steps necessary to maintain and repair this historic treasure and heart of our town. I would hope the town board would stop ‘stalling’ and move forward to contract with an engineer to produce plans and a detailed (Request for Proposal) to be put out to contractors.”
The Columbus Town Board will likely address the issue during the regular monthly meeting on Thursday.