Pomfret Town Supervisor Dan Pacos has proposed that Pomfret and the neighboring town of Dunkirk share town hall space

The town of Dunkirk should move its Town Hall to Chestnut Road, sharing space with the town of Pomfret’s new hall, Pomfret Supervisor Dan Pacos proposed Wednesday.

“The proximity to the town makes it perfect for it,” Pacos said at the April Pomfret Town Board meeting. “We think it would be great for a shared municipal building.”

Pacos called the idea of two towns sharing one building for their town halls “kind of a trend setting thing for the area.” He said, “We”ve reached out to (the town of Dunkirk) and we’ll see what happens.”

“We would love to have the synergy of the two towns together, sharing spaces,” said Ann Eckman, Pomfret’s deputy town supervisor.

Dunkirk Town Supervisor Priscilla Penfold said Thursday, “We will consider their proposal.” She had no more comments.

Pomfret moved to buy a former Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints worship site in March for its new town hall. The town plans to sell its current hall, located on Day Street in the village of Fredonia.

Dunkirk’s current Town Hall on Willow Road is a little under a mile away from the building purchased by Pomfret.

The acquisition of the Chestnut Road property is supposed to cost $370,000, according to the resolution passed March 6 by the Pomfret town board. Remodeling and renovating the building into a town hall is slated to cost up to $600,000.

Pomfret set aside $330,000 for the move and will also use $440,000 from a federal grant, the March resolution stated.

“Availability of satisfactory financing” is supposed to cover the balance of the project costs. Pacos didn’t say anything Wednesday about asking Dunkirk to share in the costs of the project.

Pomfret Town Attorney Jeffrey Passafaro asked the town board to pass a resolution confirming the authority of Pacos to execute the purchase agreement. The board did so.

“I’m thrilled with the building, I think it’s a great location for us,” Pacos said. He said he’s especially pleased that the structure’s large lot allows for ample parking space.