Bastrop, Tx–After some sharp discussion Jan. 27, the Bastrop City Council agreed to tackle how the new Bastrop City Hall on Chestnut Street will finally look at a meeting Feb. 2. In effect the council, led by Council Member Julie Hart, rejected a prior suggestion to name a citizen panel to review and recommend design ideas for the new municipal building.
Hart, who previously urged a citizen panel, argued Tuesday that the council should take direct responsibility for the looks of the new city hall and the civic/convention center which will be erected facing each other on Chestnut Street. Public input will be welcome during the upcoming planning sessions, said Hart and other council members.
Architect Mervin Fatter will be on hand when the council convenes at 6:45 p.m. Monday, said Bastrop City Manager Mike Talbot.
Fatter faced criticism earlier this month when he presented preliminary site and building design concepts for the new city hall/civic center complex just east of the Union Pacific Railroad line on
Chestnut Street. Council members said the buildings should be more reflective of Bastrop’s historic 19th century building traditions.Some called the suggested building design “stark.”
Talbot suggested in an interview today with Bastrop Community Access Television that one concern may be the cost involved with making the buildings more attractive.
Current plans call for soliciting bids and beginning construction of the new city buildings by this summer. Work should begin this year.