Lexington is getting closer to building a new city hall after a first reading of the proposal by city council Thursday evening.
The proposal involves buying and redeveloping the Truist Bank building on Vine Street, moving the city’s current government headquarters out of its Main Street location. It was converted from a hotel during the 1980s and only meant as a temporary home for city government.
Some councilmembers were concerned that the public wasn't given enough time to learn about the project when it was originally on the docket earlier this week. District 10’s Dave Sevigny motioned to move the vote to Thursday evening instead.
The city estimates it would cost around $86 million to build, including a $30 million down payment. The lease would include an annual payment of up to $3.5 million each year for 35 years.
Commissioner of General Services Chris Ford explained Tuesday a new building would accommodate more people, and add more accessibility and safety features.
“The purpose of this exercise is pursuing a new government center, which does provide an office environment for our staff here on the downtown campus, but it also provides a community space, such as today's meeting, for our constituents to come in and engage city leaders,” he said.
Some opposed residents say the proposal should be tabled amid federal funding uncertainty, and that the city’s current funds could be better suited towards other projects. Chuck Eddy was among those who spoke during Thursday’s public comment period.
“I'm deeply concerned that now is not the time to move forward on this project. We do not know where else there will be cuts resulting in gaps that we here in Lexington will need to fill,” Eddy said.
The proposal is up for second reading and approval Dec. 2, after a holiday break next week.
