Photo: Life / iStock / Getty Images
Tonight (November 6), the Troy City Council will vote on a proposal to move City Hall to the historic Proctor's Theatre building in downtown Troy, New York. The proposed lease agreement involves a fixed annual payment of $675,000 to the Troy Local Development Corporation (TLDC) over a 30-year period. This move is expected to provide long-term financial stability for the city, as it would save over $100,000 annually compared to the current location on River Street, which incurs escalating costs.
Mayor Carmella Mantello supports the move, highlighting the potential savings and the opportunity to establish a permanent home for city operations. Since 2012, Troy has rented space at Hedley Park Place, and the current lease is set to end on January 1, 2027. The city aims to occupy the Proctor's Theatre building by this deadline. Mayor Mantello stated, "When you talk about renting (the current) City Hall, no equity, the cost continues to go up and there are (common area maintenance) charges" according to the Times Union.
However, the proposal has faced opposition. Some council members, including Democratic Council President Susan Steele, argue that the decision should be postponed until after the upcoming city election, allowing the new council to evaluate the plan. Despite this, Republican Majority Leader Thomas Casey intends to proceed with the vote, stating that outgoing council members should still have a say in the city's future.
If approved, the move to Proctor's Theatre will involve bonding $11.5 million for purchase and renovation costs. The decision is seen as a crucial step in securing a stable and cost-effective location for Troy's City Hall operations.