Lafayette invites the public to tour its new municipal complex

LAFAYETTE-The official opening of Lafayette's new Municipal Building will take place at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 30. Planning for the complex began several years ago and construction of the $2.1 million building was finished less than a year after last November's ground breaking. The new headquarters of municipal government at 33 Morris Farms Road, will officially be opened with a ribbon-cutting celebration and open house. Lafayette residents are invited to attend the ceremony and the social to follow in the new meeting room. The relocation by municipal employees took place little more than a month ago, and they have been conducting business from the new headquarters, although many are still working out of boxes. The facility is an upgrade from the "cozy" quarters shared in the landmark building that is now the project of the Lafayette Preservation Foundation, which is raising funds to restore it. Municipal Clerk Anna Rose Fedish, who is handling all the details for the celebration, said she's only a little behind schedule. The red, white, and blue ribbon she is planning to use will give the day a patriotic tone. As Fedish and Stephanie Pizzulo, secretaries to several boards, worked on the finishing touches, they both agreed they were happy in their work and looked forward to the future in Lafayette. County dignitaries who are scheduled to attend include freeholders, Congressman Greg Garrett, Assemblyman Guy Gregg and Assemblywoman Alison McHose. Special invited guests include representatives of Schering-Plough, the company that donated the land upon which the building stands. Town Councilman John D'Angeli has previously been quoted as saying that without the gift of the land, the complex still would be "under discussion." State Senator Robert Littell, who was instrumental in obtaining a grant of $100,000 towards construction, is also expected to attend.