Individuals now have limited access to Bradford city hall, the final step of phase two in building upgrades that took effect Wednesday.

“In the past, members of the public could enter the building and basically just walk right into any office on any floor of the building,” Mayor Tom Riel said. “Unfortunately this open access allowed some unsavory characters to just go from office to office being a nuisance and making some employees feel unsafe at times. Many city hall buildings in PA no longer allow such open access.”

Now people access the building via a first-floor lobby area that has a glass security wall and door and includes the entrance to the renovated treasurer’s office to the left and the receptionist in the refuse billing office to the right.

“Except for public meetings, that is as far as visitors entering the building will have access without internal approval,” Riel said. “Citizens will still be able to freely enter the building to pay their bills just as they always have in the treasurer’s office or request almost any city form from the receptionist’s office across the hall.”

Those needing to visit offices beyond this area will have to check with the receptionist in the refuse billing office to check on the availability of personnel. That office also had a small waiting area.

“In the absence of the receptionist in the refuse billing office, employees from the treasurer’s office will assist visitors and may buzz them in past the security door. There is new signage to assist visitors with these changes,” he said.

Phase two upgrades also included the installation of a high-resolution camera system throughout the building as well as outside, Riel said.

Gaining access to city hall has been the same since the early 1960s when the government moved into the building, Riel said.

“Unfortunately we no longer live in such simpler, safer times,” he said. “City Council felt that it was now necessary to take measures to improve the security of the building and more important, the safety of employees who work there.”

The phase two upgrades costing about $140,000 became a reality, thanks to two donations of $70,000 specifically earmarked for this project, Riel said.

Part one of the building upgrades included renovating council chambers with new furniture, carpeting and more.

In a related matter, Riel said that the designated city hall handicapped public parking spot is now in front of the building. Signage has been installed on a blue post.  

“There is no longer any public access or handicapped parking at the rear of the building,” he said. “Anybody parking in the handicapped parking spot without a valid permit displayed will be ticketed.”