Work on City Hall begins in February

The resolution authorizes a contract with VMJR Companies of Glens Falls for alterations required to achieve American with Disabilities compliance.

“During the request-for-proposal process, they were the ones that saw the vision the city is looking to go in, so we went with them,” Mayor Kamal Johnson said.

The cost of the project is $669,500. A capital reserve fund for building improvements had been established with $435,000, of which $33,567 remains. The resolution authorizes expenditure of $337,933 from the general fund.

Construction on City hall is expected to begin in February and the work is estimated to be completed in three or four months.

Changes to the building’s facade include removing the marble steps that lead to the side door of the building and dropping the door down to sidewalk level. The existing door will continue to be used and the marble plinths and pilasters on either side of the doorway will remain unchanged.

“The improvements will make access to the second floor a lot easier for folks,” Johnson said. “I’m happy that we’re finally getting to this point as a city.”

The renovations will make the building more accessible, Johnson said.

“I think it’s just going to be more inviting for everyone, especially those who work on the second floor,” he said. “A lot of people have problems accessing the second floor with all the stairs, and we make accommodations by coming down, but I know it’s going to be much easier for people to conduct their business at their mayor’s office. The overall environment is going to be more inviting for everyone.”

VMJR has completed projects all over upstate New York. The company has a history of constructing education centers including the University at Albany, Siena College, State Education building and Middleburgh Central School. VMJR also completed restoration projects in Troy, Albany, Saratoga and Hudson. In Hudson the company completed St.Paul’s/St. Mary’s Church historical restoration.