Community Corner

Town Hall Repairs to Take Three More Months?

Exeter Town Hall remains closed, more than two months after lightning sparked a fire and damaged the historic building.

No timetable has been set for its reopening. The damage will be covered by Primex, the town's insurer.

Town Manager Russ Dean on Monday said Primex has yet to complete a damage assessment with a projected cost of repairs. Dean said once that's done, the repair work will start. He said that work could take about three months.

Selectmen Chairman Don Clement was dismayed Primex has taken so long.

"I'm disappointed the citizens of Exeter don't have their Town Hall back again," Clement said.

The closing of Town Hall has affected several events this year. The annual Exeter UFO Festival, which is usually held there, was canceled this year after organizers said they couldn't find another venue as big as Town Hall.

The fire broke out April 9 after lightning hit the building and fried its electrical system. Water from fire hoses damaged the wood floor on the second story. Water also damaged insulation and the first-floor ceiling. The floor and electrical system need to be replaced, Dean said.

The Exeter Arts Committee has a gallery on the second floor. None of the paintings were damaged in the fire.

Exeter Town Hall was built in 1855. It's a popular venue for politicians. Vice President Joe Biden came there last year, and former Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul launched his presidential campaign there in 2011.


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