By Michael Mroziak
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-973251.mp3
East Aurora, NY – Tuesday is polling day in the Town of Aurora for a referendum regarding a proposal to move its town offices to a new location. The town would first spend more than $877,000 the property chosen for the move.
Voters will decide Tuesday whether to approve a bond resolution that would fund capital improvements to a building located at 300 Gleed Avenue in East Aurora. It's a location where the town would then relocate its offices from its current South Grove Street address.
East Aurora is a village that has historically taken its aesthetics most seriously. This referendum, which was approved unanimously by the Aurora Town Board, puts forth a plan that town officials say provides the most practical and cost-effective option.
Aurora Town Supervisor Jolene Jeffe said the feedback sent to her office has been mostly supportive. But she acknowledges there are opponents.
"I have met with a few residents who have a different thought and would prefer to see the town hall on Main Street. In an ideal world that would be a great alternative. But this town board was charged with looking at what lies before us. We own the building and it provides some enmities that we wouldn't be able to build into a new town hall. And that is why we recommended the move to support of the referendum to move," said Jeffe.
So what happens it voters reject the referendum? Jeffe admits that right now, there is no Plan B.
"The town board will respect the voice of the residents, and we will need to go back and try to identify another alterative. I'm hoping that won't be the case," said Jeffe.
The polling hours are 6 a.m. until 9 p.m. Tuesday.
Jeffe said eligible voters were recently notifed by the Erie County Board of Elections as to where they may cast their votes.