Covina : New City Hall in Works

After 25 years of debate, it appears Covina will be getting a new City Hall. The City Council voted this week to accept a recommendation from the Chamber of Commerce that calls on the city to build a new City Hall rather than attempt to renovate the old one.

The council, on a 4-0 vote, directed the city staff to draw up plans for a new City Hall at the corner of Citrus Avenue and San Bernardino Road, next to the city’s police station. City Manager John Thomson will make a presentation to the council detailing these plans on Dec. 7.

Suggestions to renovate or replace the current City Hall, built in 1930, have been made by City Council members since 1962, but have been opposed for various reasons.

The current City Hall proposal was opposed by Councilman Jerry Edgar because of its cost. The city’s Planning Department estimates it will cost $3 million to build a new City Hall, compared to $1.5 million to repair the plumbing and wiring of the old building and bring the structure up to seismic safety standards.

Edgar was on vacation and not present to vote on the matter at Monday’s meeting.