Woodbury Old Town Hall Gets First Approval for Balcony Use

The balcony of Woodbury’s Old Town Hall is on its way to reuse.

The town of Woodbury received the results of a structural analysis study on the balcony last week, which cleared the mezzanine for usage up to 75 people. The study was completed using grant money received from the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation.

Woodbury First Selectman Jerry Stomski said the board had a strong interest in reusing the balcony but had concerns over the structural integrity and asked the Historic Preservation to look at the possible uses.

“Basically the long and short of what they gave us was it can be used in certain fashions,” said Stomski.

The balcony, which has been previously used for viewing purposes, was determined structurally sound enough for no more than 75 people. The study also determined people on the balcony would need to be seated at tables to avoid the risk of tripping and falling on the balcony.

Stomski said there has been discussion about installing a railing and an additional exit off the balcony. There is currently one entrance and one exit. The balcony is U-shaped and initial plans are to construct another stairway at the balcony’s ‘U’ curve.

“The thing that really needs to be done is to form a second exit on the balcony,” said Stomski.

The Woodbury Public Building Commission reviewed the document last week and gave it their approval. In the interim the Town has applied for another grant for development specifications and are also perusing a grant for the actual work.

“It is going rather quickly and we’re excited with the results we’ve received so far,” said Stomski. “Connecticut Trust and Preservation has a great interest in this and is excited to work on it as well.”