PATERSON — A portion of the ceiling collapsed Monday morning in the City Hall room where the municipal council holds its public meetings, with large chunks of plaster falling onto audience seats in the empty room.
Officials said they were not sure whether the council would hold its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday night.
Members of the city council said the collapse stemmed from a leaky air-conditioner pan in the area above one side of the audience seating.
“My main concern is the safety of the people in the building,” said City Council President Alex Mendez when asked about Tuesday’s meeting.
More from Paterson Press:Paterson school board wants to reverse cap-and-gown ban for 8th grade graduations
Officials said one side of the audience seating areas was being designated off-limits to the public until the repairs are completed.
“Rest assured, we will be actively pursuing emergency funding to expedite the necessary repairs and ensure the continued safety and functionality of our facilities,” said Mayor Andre Sayegh’s spokesperson, Dacil Tilos.
Joe Malinconico is editor of Paterson Press. Email: editor@patersonpress.com
