The construction project at the front entrance of Bradford City Hall is nearing completion.
City administrator Teri Cannon said a contractor actually poured the concrete for the front steps Wednesday and she believes foot traffic will be allowed “within the next day or so.”
However, she added, the area will be closed off again when the concrete cures so an anti-slip coat can be added on the stairs and the area leading into city hall.
“Once that is applied it will be necessary to close it down for a short period of time again,” she said.
Meanwhile, the night slot on the front of the building, where people can drop payments for bills or parking tickets after business hours, is out of commission until the area is reopened.
“We looked for an alternate method but there was nothing that was secure enough to utilize,” Cannon said. “I apologize for the inconvenience.”
She explained the project should be completed within the next two weeks.
Mayor Tom Riel said the project is two-fold.
“One, importantly, the handicapped accessibility had been at the rear of city hall, which was not very accommodating, and we were not really sure how many people knew it was there,” the mayor said.
Security measures are being implemented at city hall, which will close off the rear portion of the building to the general public. There are handicapped parking spaces at the rear of the building, as well as a ramp. Riel said the improvements will include a ramp and a space out front.
“There will be a handicapped parking spot placed right in front of city hall near the ramp to provide greater accessibility to those who are physically impaired,” he said.
The second part of the project, Riel explained, was to replace the old, uneven front steps. Numerous accidents had happened over the years with people falling.
“Now the steps will be even, and there will be the option to go up the ramp to the left,” he added.
The urns that had doubled as flower pots have been removed — one was damaged, but Riel said the city hopes to repurpose them at some point.
“New flower boxes were installed that closely match the white and brown brick of city hall,” he added.
Cannon said the work is the last major upgrade that she anticipates to the building, with the exception of some interior cosmetic improvements on the second floor. Those would include a “fresh coat of paint” and replacement of old carpeting.
“The second floor, with the exception of the bathroom, has not had any improvements,” she said.
The third floor, where city council’s chambers are located, was completely redone a few years back. Work has recently been completed in the treasurer’s office on the first floor as well.
Riel said this work was paid for with funds remaining from the general obligation bond taken by the city several years ago.
