City Council to Consider Old Town Hall Repairs

At their meeting at City Hall Thursday night, Salem city councilors will discuss appropriating approximately $10,000 to repair the roof and windows of Old Town Hall.

According to the meeting's posted agenda, the $9,800 appropriation is expected to be drawn from the city's Capital Outlay account.

Lynn Duncan, Director of the city's Department of Planning and Community Development, said she hopes getting the green light Thursday night will mean that the essential repairs can be done before winter weather settles in.

"Gordon College manages the building, but as the property owner, the city has some responsibilities for the building, so we want to get that work done as soon as possible," Duncan said, adding that it's important that the city "protect its investment."

So what's wrong with the nearly 200-year-old building? Duncan said some of the windows are leaking and certain sections of the roof are in serious need of repair.

"We're considering this an emergency repair, so we've already got our quotes (from contractors) and we're ready to get going," Duncan said.

Repairs to the building, she said, will be done within "historic preservation guidelines."