After three years of missed deadlines, new town hall nears completion

Sparta —This July marks three years since the groundbreaking of Sparta’s new town hall. With all this project has been through — workers striking, mold spreading, and contractors striking — it has been a tough journey. But the end is finally in sight. Situated behind the old town municipal building, the new town hall nears completion. The exterior of the building, including all windows and trim, appears finished. Only the construction fence, trailers, and debris remain as a reminder that the work is not done yet. The last projected completion date given was June 30, and although that deadline won’t be met, it will come pretty close. According to Tony Imbimbo, a town employee, Sparta should be doing partial business out of the new building by mid-July. Imbimbo said the town staff has been holding up well in the old building, considering the lack of heat in the winter, the lack of cool air now, and the general dilapidation of the building. Now they are gearing up for the move. “The staff are very enthused,” Imbimbo said. “It’s like having a new toy to play with.” The employees have already toured the new building in small groups, and have seen where their individual work spaces will be. Henry Underhill, the town manager, is also looking forward to the move. Just recently one of the air conditioners in the old Town Hall broke down, making working conditions very uncomfortable, he said. He assures the townspeople that the costs of all these delays are still being paid by the insurance company, and that the taxpayers of Sparta will not be affected by the holdups. In fact, the current contractor was hired directly by the insurance company. Underhill said he wanted the staff to have a month or so to settle in before opening the new building to public view. He said he would like to hold an open house in late September or early October, so that Sparta residents may come and see the new town hall for themselves.