Brookline Town Hall To Slowly Reopen To Public

BROOKLINE, MA — Town Hall will reopen to the public on a limited basis, beginning Aug. 17 just days ahead of scheduled early in-person voting and two weeks after an employee in the building tested positive for the coronavirus.

On Monday the town will begin a gradual reopening of the Town Hall, offering in-person by appointment at the clerk's office, the treasure's office and the select board's office.

"Town Hall never truly 'closed,' but re-opening the building to the public is a major milestone that would not have been possible without extensive planning and teamwork, as well as a continued commitment by all to doing their part to prevent the spread of COVID-19," said Town Administrator Mel Kleckner in a statement.

The building occupancy is still at 50 percent of its usual capacity, unless departments have received public health exemptions because of operational needs. It's not immediately clear if any departments have requested or received exemptions. The Municipal Service Center, Public Safety Building and Public Health Building will remain closed to the public.

When visiting Town Hall for an appointment, residents should wear face coverings, keep at least 6 feet from other people, and use hand sanitizer upon entering and exiting the building. Town staff will also be wearing face coverings and washing their hands frequently, according to officials.

Visitors must check in with a newly instituted concierge on the first floor. Their, the concierge will confirm the appointment, ask visitors to certify they've not come in contact with someone with the coronavirus, provide contact tracing information and have their temperature taken.

Make Appointments Online

• To make an appointment with the Select Board's Office, click here.
• To make an appointment with the Office of the Treasurer and Collector, click here.
• To make an appointment with the Town Clerk's Office, click here.

Residents who need to conduct business with town offices beyond those three should call the department directly.

Early Voting

Town Hall will be open for early voting for the primary election beginning at 8:30 a.m. Aug. 22 until 12:30 p.m. Aug 28. Early days on Aug. 22 and 23 lasts until 1:30 p.m. On Aug. 24 through 26 it goes until 4 p.m. And then the longest day of early voting will be Aug. 27, which will last until 8 p.m.

For those who want to drop off an early mail-in ballot you can do so by using the drop box at Town Hall or at the concierge desk.