Renovations at City Hall, which include new roof and facade repairs started several months ago.
WESTFIELD — An ongoing $3.4 million renovation and repair project at City Hall will close the Court Street building to the public between Christmas and New Year's Day.
The closure, announced Wednesday by Mayor Daniel M. Knapik, will allow workers to install new windows throughout the building. City Hall will close at noon Dec. 24 and reopen at 8 a.m. on Jan. 2.
During the closure most offices will be closed and employees will either work off-site or use accumulated vacation and other time in lieu of regular salaries, Knapik said.
The Water, Parks and Recreation, Police, Fire, Telecommunications, Information Technology, Council on Aging and Public Works departments will remain open during the holiday week because they are not located in City Hall. Also continuing operations will be the Engineering Department, Gas and Electric and School Department administration. The Building Department will be available by telephone for any emergency purposes.
The Hampden County Registry of Deeds satellite office located at City Hall also will close.
In addition to safety concerns for the public and employees, Knapik said the closure will allow for the efficient and quick installation of windows.
“Closing the building will lead to improved efficiency and cost reductions in temperature control during installation process. New windows, once installed, will also lead to lower heating costs for the building,” the mayor said.
City Clerk Karen M. Fanion said the closing will not hinder operations in that department. “The annual census will begin shortly and we are already working on that. Those forms will be mailed to residents between Jan. 7 and 14,” she said.
Also, City Collector Michael J. McMahon said property tax bills, with a Feb. 1 due date, are now being processed and will be completed in time for mailing to taxpayers on Dec. 31.
“The Collector’s office will continue to accept pre-payment of taxes from residents until Dec. 24 and then resume on Jan. 2,” McMahon said.