Clock towers hold a special place in communities, as well as in pop culture. Back to the Future would have been a very different film without its clock tower -- 1.21 gigawats, and there's Big Ben in London.
In Connecticut, several clock towers have stood the test of time and serve as landmarks, but the 107-year-old clock tower atop Meriden's City Hall could be removed as city officials grapple with a $350,000 renovation cost.
City Councilor Steven Iovanna, an architect, calls it a symbol of Meriden, according to the Record-Journal, and said he's unsure he'd favor removing it, but officials should consider all their choices.
Mark Zebora, director of Parks and Recreation and Building Maintenance, said weather has caused the tower's exterior to rot.
It's a priority every year, but the cost takes it off Meriden's list of capital improvements, he said.
City Council Deputy Majority Leader Brian Daniels said the money needed to repair or renovate the tower could be spent to pave streets or make other improvements.
The Meriden clock tower and gold leaf dome have been landmarks since City Hall opened in 1907.
