Town departments begin move to 451 Elm; ribbon cutting set for April 17

Town officials announced that the veterans services office and the health department have begun moving into a reopened building at 451 Elm after finishing construction and refurbishment, and they secured a temporary certificate of occupancy for the portions of the building needed for the move.

"Finally, the day has come," the staff member said, adding that the town is "wrapping up the construction and refurbishment of the building at 451" and will reorganize where several departments are housed.

The move was accelerated after recent flooding in the lower level of town hall, a development the staff member acknowledged. "It did" accelerate the schedule, the staff member said, noting the town was able to obtain a temporary certificate of occupancy for the areas required to operate immediately.

Officials asked residents for patience during the transition and urged people to contact departments by phone, email or the town website; staff offered to arrange in-person meetings by appointment if needed. The staff member also said Lenore’s Pantry will continue to operate from town hall by appointment only while supplies and personnel are moved. Residents with donations were told to contact the board of health or the town health agent, Ann Marie, to arrange delivery or pickup.

The staff member said the town is partnering with the Hakamak Y to set up the expanded pantry and expects personnel and supplies to be in place "in the next couple of weeks." A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the entire building is scheduled for April 17 at 12 noon; invitations are being mailed.

Questioning from a meeting participant focused on damage from the flooding and steps to prevent recurrence. The staff member said crews brought in extra pumps, the water never rose more than about an inch, and the space was dried within two days; officials reported no identified mold or other damage so far. The staff member said new, more resilient flooring was installed in the lower level and that a measure to address basement flooding will be brought to the town council soon for consideration.

The staff member said seniors have already begun moving some belongings and that the senior center expects to start its full move on Monday, March 23. The town emphasized that the building opening will allow departments affected by recurring flooding to relocate to space that should not be at similar risk.

Next steps: officials will bring a measure to the town council to address basement flooding and finalize the move schedule; the public is invited to the April 17 ribbon-cutting.