After lightning strike, Saratoga Springs City Hall could take a year to reopen, mayor says

PHOTOGRAPHER: Erica Miller

City officials survey damage at City Hall after the Aug. 17 lightning strike

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Springs City Hall could be closed for up to a year while damage from last month’s lightning strike is repaired, Mayor Megyn Kelly said Monday.

The Aug. 17 fire damaged a part of the historic building’s roof and allowed water to pour into the third floor. The resulting damage forced city offices out and left in doubt how long it will take to resume operations in the building.

Kelly indicated Monday that would take some time.

“We’re looking at being in temporary offices for up to a year,” Kelly said.

The mayor’s office had announced in August that employees would be working from the recreation facility until further notice, in accordance with the city’s emergency response plan.

While the building is repaired, city offices will remain spread throughout the city, with the Recreation Center hosting a good portion of city workers for now. The mayor’s office, administrative and business offices for the Finance, Accounts and Public Works departments, Planning and Building departments, city clerk, tax collection and receivables, utilities, parking tickets, engineering, licensing and vital records, assessments and Civil Service are located at the 15 Vanderbilt Ave. recreation center, officials have said.

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