'Grand Old Lady' Close to New Ownership

For many years the building located at 450 Adelphia Road has serviced the township in a variety of ways from the headquarters of the police department to the old town hall and most recently as the township’s human resources building.

On Tuesday night the governing body started a process that barring any unforeseen circumstances will allow new owners to use the building to serve the men and women of our armed forces coming home from war.

Deputy Mayor Rob Nicastro introduced an ordinance that if adopted would allow the township to sell the property to the Howell chapter of the Veterans of Foreign War (VFW). Nicastro said members of the VFW have expressed their interest to use the building to further “big plans,” to help their brothers and sisters in arms. “This is going to give them an opportunity for them to have their own home,” he said.

Councilwoman Pauline Smith was also pleased with the plans for the sale. “I think it’s a very good use for the grand old lady,” she said. “She was our town hall way back when. A lot of us remember and used to work out of there and I think it’s a very good use to continue.”

Having the building as a place that can help veterans of the armed forces is a “tremendous asset,” according to Councilman Robert Walsh. “They deserve it,” he added of the building that can provide a variety of services. “This is one of those good things that you get to do in government.”

As the lead for the negotiations for the township Nicastro said the process started when municipal offices were brought under one roof at the new Municipal Building. “It’s a use that’s going to be around for a very long time and when they put out their new sign as this is their new home it’s really a positive for Howell Township.”