Town Hall Input Sought

by Amy Kolb Noyes

Many people who said they voted against Morristown's $3.3 million
combined Town Hall and library addition project cited a lack of public
input on the project as part of their decision. In direct response to
that feedback, town officials have developed a public opinion survey to
guide them in how best to proceed with building a new Town Hall.
A bond to build a Town Hall complex along with an addition to the
Morristown Centennial Library passed on Town Meeting Day by less than 70
votes. Dissenters petitioned for a revote, which was held on May 18.
That day, voters turned down the project by an eight vote margin.
The town Municipal Facilities Committee, which sited and planned the
project, is unsure how to proceed at this juncture. Therefore, the
committee is hoping for a strong response to the survey that went out
this week. Surveys were inserted into this week's edition of The
Transcript, mailed to Morristown residents. Committee member Mark
Leonard said surveys will also be available at the Town Clerk's office
and other businesses around town. Additionally, Leonard noted copies of
the survey can be downloaded from the town website at www.morristownvt.org.
Leonard said the committee is hoping for comments and suggestions
regarding possible Town Hall locations, and how much money taxpayers are
willing to spend on the project.
"The survey is seeking public input on how best to proceed at this
point," Leonard explained. Questions included in the survey attempt to
gage public opinion on the need for new town offices and if the town
should continue to pursue a combined project with the library expansion.
Respondents are asked to rate the importance of factors such as project
cost, location/accessibility, functionality, parking/traffic, meeting
community needs and appearance/aesthetics.
Completed surveys can be dropped off at the Town Clerk's office or
mailed to the town offices by the end of July. The mailing address is
provided on the survey.