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Highlands Today

LP Council Leery Of Proposed New Town Hall

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By BILL RETTEW JR.

Highlands Today

Published: August 17, 2008

LAKE PLACID - Mayor Tom Katsanis got a luke-warm response from town council when he pitched plans to construct a new municipal building.

Katsanis told the council, at Tuesday's special budget meeting, he hoped to build a two-story, 10,000 square foot structure a few feet northwest of Town Hall, on town-owned property.

The mayor cited overcrowding at Town Hall, at DeVane Park, along with anticipated growth, as reasons to build.

"If this town is going to grow like everyone says, we need this building now," said Katsanis.

Bill Brantley, councilman, referred to the plans as a "great idea" but said the town should probably wait five years before breaking ground.

Brantley suggested that the town instead build a 400 to 800 square foot, climate controlled storage area to free more space for employees.
Councilman Ray Royce said he agreed with Brantley. He also favored document storage at an alternative site.

Wilson suggested construction of less than the recommended 69 parking spaces that initial plans call for, until those spots are fully needed. He also took a long, hard look at spending taxpayer funds.

"We do need to be fiscally responsible," said Wilson.

Katsanis told council that the police department and the water department would likely share the ground floor of the planned structure. The second floor would stay unimproved and unoccupied, until it was needed.

Municipal administration, including Town Clerk Arlene Tuck's staff, the mayor's office, and the street commission would occupy Town Hall.

A proposed drive-thru window would give residents a chance to pay utilities bills from their vehicles.

Brantley made a rough estimate that construction costs might run between $750,000 and $1 million. He also estimated that the current police headquarters might be sold for about $250,000, owing to its "unique location."

The town already budgeted and banked $300,000 for expansion, said Katsanis.

Freeman called the plan "a good one," but he said following through on the plans anytime soon "depends on the economy."

Bill Rettew Jr. may be contacted at 386-5857 or wrettew@highlandstoday.com

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