Roughly a dozen guests were on hand as the Town officially opened the bids for the work pertaining to a new Town Hall. Supervisor Brian McAvoy reported that the aggregate bids for the major trades came in “nicely under budget,” giving the Town confidence to proceed with the project.

The initial estimate from LaBella Associates for the new Town Hall was roughly $1.4 million. It will be constructed at the site of the current Town Hall, which will be demolished.

The Town originally planned for a new Town Hall and Community Center to be connected to a new Highway Department garage as one all-encompassing building. However, after bids came in well over $1 million above what was expected, the Town pivoted to splitting up the needs of the Town into two separate projects. The Highway Department addition cost roughly $850,000.

The next step is for LaBella Associates to perform due diligence on the bids in order to make a recommendation to the Town Board. McAvoy expects to be ready to execute contracts at the next Town Board meeting, scheduled for May 11 at 6:30 p.m.

McAvoy extended thanks to all of the contractors who worked to prepare their bids. “We had great participation from all of the trades and are happy with the results,” McAvoy said. “Also, a big thanks to LaBella for their design and project management support.”

The plans call for a new Town Hall/Community Center, including office space and a new Justice Court. Currently, in 36 square miles of Arkwright, there is no other public meeting space for residents to gather. The former Grange Hall fell into disrepair, and there is no other building that serves the needs of residents like a Community Center would.

McAvoy hopes the new Town Hall could be used as an emergency shelter if needed, as well as a public space to be reserved for gatherings. McAvoy hopes building a new Town Hall/Community Center will entice more people to view Arkwright as a great place to build a new home.

Like McAvoy, Town Board member Larry Ball said that in his time on the Board, residents have consistently pushed for a new Town Hall. Ball said of a new Town Hall for the taxpayers of Arkwright, “They deserve to have a decent place to come get their questions answered.”

The Town of Arkwright is also still planning to offer a tire amnesty to its residents later this year. The Board initially planned to offer amnesty for two tires to all taxpayers, but the matter is up for further discussion after some residents were critical of the plans. An alternative that could be available to residents is one free dog license instead of discarding tires. The details will likely be finalized at the next monthly meeting in May.

Pictured is the plan for a new Town Hall/Community Center in the town of Arkwright, designed by LaBella Associates.

The Town issued nine dog licenses in March, while also issuing two building permits and eight death certificates. Two spots in a local cemetery were sold, as well, along with one burial. In total, the Town collected $1,551 in the month. The Town Court also collected $150 in the month of March.

The Town also recently received its certification as a pro-housing community. The Town’s roofing and siding project is expected to be completed within the next month.