Social Security office plans move to bigger space

The office will be closed Dec. 15 while it transfers from 806 N. Jefferson to the former Smitty’s store, 1570 W. Battlefield, Suite 100, according to District Manager Ron Ponds. The new location will open Dec. 18.

More parking and roughly a 20 percent increase in office space are the major improvements over the old office, Ponds said. A larger reception area with more counters will cut wait times for the office’s 300 daily customers, and the space will lend itself to private areas for customer interviews.

“Plus, it will be more convenient for the public because they won’t have to scramble for parking places a half block away and walk here; they’ll be able to park right in front of the building,” Ponds said. “And of course, we serve a significant number of disabled and elderly individuals, so that’s a hardship for them.”

Ponds said the office, which employs 61, likely will hold an open house for the public in the spring.

The Social Security Administration owns the Jefferson building, and Ponds said plans for selling it haven’t been determined, but it could be donated or sold at a nominal cost to a nonprofit agency. The new space on Battlefield Road will be leased.