City discusses grant to keep city hall in present location

NORWICH – For years, the City of Norwich has been discussing the possible move of city offices to the third floor of the firehouse, but after hearing public comments and investigating costs, the city is looking at funding options for the renovations needed to keep city hall in its present location at the old train depot.

At the May meeting of the Public Safety/ Public Works Committee, Community and Economic Development Specialist Todd Dreyer said he was prepared to apply for a grant that could provide the city with approximately $250,000 for renovations to the current city hall building, which could include the replacement of the roof, heating improvements and the installation of new carpeting and doors. The grant is part of the Transportation Enhancement Program, and could be used for the building since it is the site of the former train depot.

First Ward Alderman Robert Carey moved to recommend the Finance/Personnel Committee approve applying for the grant, and asked that a cost analysis, comparing staying at the current city hall location and moving to the third floor, be presented to the Finance Committee at that time. Third Ward Alderman John Deierlein seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. The last cost comparison listed the cost of staying in the current city hall building would be approximately $360,172 – which includes the cost of work the repairs and work that will need to be done to the firehouse whether offices are moved there or not – compared to $269,772 for moving the offices. The grant was not figured into that cost comparison.