By Michael P. Walsh
Special to the Voice
In accordance with state and local guidelines, City Hall reopened to the public with restrictions March 16, Mayor Nancy R. Rossi and city Health Director Maureen B. Lillis announced.
Rossi said the phased reopening of City Hall will allow staff members to service West Haven residents inside the building for the first time since October, when City Hall was closed amid the coronavirus pandemic.
For phase one of the reopening plan, City Hall will be open for limited business Tuesday through Friday by appointment only and restricted to the first floor, Rossi said.
Residents can make an appointment for the Building Department, assessor’s office, tax office and city clerk’s office from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. by contacting the department at https://www.cityofwesthaven.com/directory.aspx. Appointments are limited and should be made by 3 p.m. the previous day.
Although City Hall will be closed to the public on Monday, employees will work their normal five-day workweek, Rossi said.
To enter City Hall, visitors must use the west entrance on the Savin Avenue side of the building. Visitors must wear face masks, show identification and pass a temperature check before entering, Lillis said.
Visitors must sign in with staff members, noting the time and location of the appointment, and sign out when business is done. They must also use the hand sanitizer station before going to the appointment, Lillis said.
Visitors must maintain social distancing, including staying 6 feet away from others, and stand behind the protective barrier, Lillis said.
While City Hall will be partially reopen, the Chamber of Commerce and Department of Motor Vehicles Express offices will remain closed until further notice, city officials said.
Residents are encouraged to continue using online payments and the drop box at the Main Street entrance of City Hall.