Arts Center, Town Agencies, Senior Center—

Democrats See Viable Options For Edmond Town Hall

By John Voket

As town departments begin their permanent migration from the Edmond Town Hall on Main Street to the new municipal center at Fairfield Hills, local Democrats vying for the town’s top elected seats this November are coming up with ideas to bring new life to one of Newtown’s most visible Main Street landmarks.

In their most recent position paper, first selectman candidate Gary Fetzer and running mate Joe Hemingway recognize that since 1930, Edmond Town Hall has served as the administrative hub of the town. But in its last full year of service, Newtown taxpayers contributed $190,000 toward its upkeep and maintenance.

“With the town offices moving to Fairfield Hills, many voters we have talked to have asked what the future holds for the building and who will make those decisions,” the Democrats wrote. “While various options have been discussed, a Fetzer/Hemingway administration would give the community opportunities to have input into what a future Edmond Town Hall looks like.’

Last year, through use of the theater, the gymnasium, and the Alexandria Room, the Democrats pointed out that Edmond Town Hall’s elected Board of Managers posted revenues of approximately $450,000 and expenses of $650,000. Utility costs and maintenance for the aging building account for most of its expenses.

“It should also be noted that some of the expenses are for the Newtown Volunteer Fire Department building which shares the parking lot,” the Democrats point out.

Mr Fetzer and Mr Hemingway praised the volunteers from the Edmond Town Hall board for spending countless hours and saving the town hundreds of thousands of dollars for projects already completed.

The Democrats also realize that many taxpayers are under the erroneous assumption that they will no longer have to underwrite any of Edmond Town Hall’s expenses.

“That is not the case. While there may be some utility savings in the next year, the town has a responsibility to preserve this historic landmark and will be expected to make up any shortfall,” the candidates contend.

“There is a concern that as it stands now, the offices will remain empty,” Mr Fetzer and Mr Hemingway wrote. “Either that or a balkanization of the space will occur as groups and organizations with a relationship to the town, but who are not able to pay rent, will fill the space. In effect, this would create a second administrative building.”

If elected, the pair would also consider other options.

“Some residents favor a Cultural Arts Center. Perhaps in this way, with some creative thinking, additional revenue for the building could be generated, and for such an asset the community would be willing to make up any shortfall,” the Democratic candidates suggested.

Another option that has been mentioned is using it as a temporary senior center.

“Of course the first step would be to ascertain if Newtown seniors would even be interested,” the pair stated, adding that making the building fully handicap accessible would be expensive and grants would have to be found to make this option feasible.

“Others have asked about the possibility of generating revenue by renting out the offices to businesses. However, current Borough zoning laws will not allow commercial businesses on the site,” they note.

The Democratic candidates say that existing deed restrictions set up by Mary Hawley place certain constraints on usage, or the building reverts to Yale University ownership.

“Perhaps it is time to approach Yale to inquire if any flexibility exists,” Mr Fetzer and Mr Hemingway said.

Ultimately, if elected, the Democratic leaders would take a cue from the voters who put them in charge.

“This is a critical juncture for this wonderful old building that means so much to the town,” they stated. “And perhaps it’s time to hear from the residents about its future.”