NEW PALTZ – The Village
and Town of New Paltz formed a committee to explore creating a joint municipal
center for the two governments Tuesday night.
Village Board Member Don Kerr and Mayor Tim Rogers were elected to the committee as were Daniel Torres and Marty Irwin from the town council.
Leading up to the formation of the committee was much discussion about possible locations for a new building that would house the two municipalities, the justice court and the police.
Irving is in full support of a combined center.
“There is a strong desire on many of our parts to see this be a collaborative effort because we see opportunity for efficiencies,” Irving said.
As a result of its preliminary work the town has bids under consideration from four architectural firms.
Councilman Jeff Logan noted the history of cooperation between the village and town, pointing to a water main leak just last week and how the two entities worked together to repair it in a few hours.
“We do have a lot of cooperation between the two,” Rogers said.
The trustees then asked village officials what issues they feel need to be addressed before they can make a decision to join in the town.
The town has been looking into possible locations for some seven years and has almost decided on a site in front of the current location at 3 Veterans Drive. Village board members are not as certain that this is the best spot. Some said it is too far from the center of town.
The Town is looking to build a three-story 25,000 square foot facility.
Approximately 3,000 square feet would be the sole property of the village
offices.
The Village still has to talk with its attorneys and analyze its needs but the two municipalities have scheduled their next joint meeting and the committee will be meeting in the next few weeks.
