Current and former Arlington city leaders, along with community members, gathered Tuesday night to celebrate the opening of the new Council Chamber.
Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams and City Council members were joined at the ribbon cutting ceremony and plaque dedication former mayors Robert Cluck, Elzie Odom and Richard Greene, all who served during the former Council Chamber's 35-year history. Also in attendance was former City Manager Al Rollins.
"Today is not just a celebration of our rich history, but it's also a day to capture the excitement that surrounds our future," Williams said. "We look forward to a new state-of-the-art space where important city business can be conducted, and community programs can flourish."
The 6,500-square-foot Council Chamber, which will better meet the City's accessibility and technology needs, was built as part of the $34 million Downtown Library project. The 191-seat facility replaces the former Chamber demolished in 2016.
"It's terrific to see all of the growth happening in Downtown Arlington," Cluck said. "And I know that in this new City Council Chamber, our Mayor and Council members will make the decisions to continue the growth of Arlington - downtown and city-wide!"
In addition to City Council meetings, the new Council Chamber will be used for Planning and Zoning Commission meetings as well as a community room available for library programming, public meetings and other events.
One of the City's goals with the new chamber was to update the technology and accessibility. This includes new video display boards, new AV equipment and cameras, updated lighting, hearing loop technology, handicap accessible bathrooms and other features.
"The new technology brings this chamber into the 21st century," said Marketing Communications Manager Jay Warren. "Residents will be able to see the difference when they attend the meetings and when they watch at home on the City's cable channel. The picture quality, audio quality, lighting and presentations will be markedly improved."
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Audio and visual improvements, along with assistive hearing technology for visitors with hearing loss, align with the City Council's priority to Put Technology to Work.
"We're thrilled to be able to provide a place where residents can come to watch our local government in action and to provide feedback on projects happening throughout our community," Williams said.
The adjacent three-story, 80,000-square-foot Downtown Library will open June 16 and a new plaza connecting City Hall and the Library will open in May.
"This library will do more than hold a vast collection of books for our young kids. It will have community space, play areas, interactive activities, a section for adult literacy and workforce development," Williams said.
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