Hearing On Historic Post Office Purchase Scheduled In Morristown

MORRISTOWN, NJ — After many years of negotiations, town officials are finally moving forward with their bid to purchase the historic U.S. Post Office on the Morristown Green for $3 million.

Although the council unanimously approved an ordinance to purchase the property at its Aug. 18 meeting, that may only be the beginning of the work required to restore the building.

Next week, the Town Council will hold a public hearing to discuss an agreement to buy the 106-year-old site and use it for municipal services.

The town intends to relocate certain municipal operations there, according to the approved ordinance, and the Postal Service, which owns the building at 1 Morris Street, intends to lease back a portion of the first floor as part of the agreement.

With a price tag of $3 million, Morristown will pay two initial $50,000 deposits, with the remaining amount due at closing if the proposal is approved.

According to the ordinance, the town will use bonds, grants and other debt instruments to help pay for the property. In 2017, the town put in an initial bid of $1.5 million for the structure but was ultimately rejected, according to council records.

Mayor Tim Dougherty has also previously stated that significant funds will be required to repair the 17,000-square-foot facility, which was built in 1916 and does not have central air conditioning.

In 2017, he stated that the site's exterior and foundation were sound and that the town might be able to apply for grants to help restore the interior.

Morristown has received over $600,000 in grant money from the Morris County Historic Preservation Trust Fund since then, including a $480,000 award in 2020 and $160,000 last year.

"What you guys just did tonight on the introduction of the ordinance of the post office, you guys should be very proud of your legislative powers and what you have accomplished so far," Dougherty told the council.

Members of the public will be able to comment on the purchase at the next council meeting, which is scheduled for Sept. 13, as the council will hold an official public hearing.