Biden-Era Funds Fuel Renovation At Nutley Town Hall

NUTLEY, NJ — An extensive renovation at Nutley Town Hall has crossed the finish line, and it was fueled by pandemic relief funds that were approved during the Biden era.

The newly renovated commission chambers at Town Hall was officially unveiled Thursday night during the Board of Commissioners meeting.

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Upgrades at the decades-old chamber room included modern audio-visual and IT infrastructure, improved lighting, and enhanced safety features – while also preserving historic elements such as the chamber's wooden pews.

There are still some minor finishing touches to be done, including the installation of a newly manufactured township seal and the re-hanging of the historic mayoral portrait gallery around the perimeter of the room.

The unveiling marked the end of an "extensive restoration and modernization project" that began in March, according to a statement from the township.

The renovation project was funded through federal American Rescue Plan allocations designated for municipal infrastructure improvements. The legislation – which was designed to help U.S. residents recover from the impacts of the COVID pandemic – was signed into law in 2021 by former president Joe Biden.

Mayor John Kelly III said the funds could not be used to reduce local property taxes, so town officials decided to directed them toward a "lasting investment that will benefit Nutley not just for years, but for generations to come."

Nutley Commissioner Mauro Tucci praised the work of municipal staff and local professionals.

"We felt it was time the community had an assembly chamber representative of who we are," Tucci said. "Ours was very dated, and there were safety and IT issues that needed to be addressed."

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