TROY, NY (WNYT) — Proctor’s Theatre in Troy will be the new Troy City Hall, officials announced on Tuesday.
The city has been searching for a permanent home for many years. It has been renting space.
The city said that this new space at 82 4th St. is a “fully accessible facility designed to better serve all residents, especially seniors and individuals with disabilities.”
Mayor Carmella Mantello said at a news conference that the historic space is being preserved and redeveloped by Columbia Development. In addition to city hall, there will be space for nonprofit and arts organizations.
“This is a responsible, forward-thinking decision — one that ensures stability, saves taxpayer money and strengthens the foundation of city for year to come,” she said.
The goal is for the city to move into the space by Jan. 1, 2027.
Mantello said there will be a lot of public meetings.
“Your input will guide this important project, and it will ensure that it reflects the needs and character of our community,” she said.
Controversy over redevelopment plan
A law firm representing the current landlord where the city is renting space issued a statement criticizing the announcement.
First Columbia has been renting space for the current City Hall at 433 River St. since 2012. The company said the city cannot break the lease because a new site was not agreed upon by a June 1 deadline. Also, they claim the city owes them more than $180,000 for operating costs and late fees, according to the law firm Tully Rinckey, which is representing First Columbia.
“We are disappointed that Mayor Mantello has refused to meet with First Columbia and has decided to take the non-transparent and non-fiscally responsible route to getting what she wants, potentially opening the city to additional expenses it can ill afford,” said Tully Rinckey CEO Michael Macomber.
“The city’s lease with First Columbia remains in full force and effect, however, as with all tenants, First Columbia is willing to listen to how they would like to restructure the lease to better suit the city’s needs.”
When asked at the news conference about this controversy, Mantello said that they believe they abided by the contract.
