The following is an excerpt from Mayor Harry Tutunjian's Message on the city's Web site which was posted Thursday concerning where the city currently stands with City Hall.

According to city spokesman Jeff Pirro, while there is not yet a definitive date established for the move to the former Verizon Building on Sixth Avenue, officials hope to make the move soon.

"CITY HALL

To that end, the vision to transform the current City Hall property into an attractive architectural masterpiece and riverfront public space has commenced. An internationally recognized firm, Sasaki Associates, has been hired to fine tune our vision for the most important site in our City. It is with great excitement and anticipation that we wait to see what will come. It is with a sense of relief we pack our offices and begin our long awaited move to the site of the temporary City Hall on Sixth Avenue.

Every journey begins with a first step, and this step has had its share of opposition and delay. The much talked about elevator has been installed and the building is being reviewed to make sure it is code compliant before we move in. We had hoped to be in sooner and we were faced with situations beyond our control, situations you face when you are a tenant, not the owner. We lived up to our contractual obligations and are confident that we will be reimbursed for our lost time and rent. I believe that in the end it will have been worth it. We will have a place to efficiently run City government and the people will have a stunning new development to compliment Monument Square.

We have proven that plans can become reality. I hope that you continue to believe in us and take pride in the good things happening in your City.

If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or complaints, please do not hesitate to call me (518) 270-4401 or e-mail the Mayor’s Office."