The top official at the state agency charged with overseeing and maintaining the New York State Capitol on Tuesday in a letter to state lawmakers said a planning process is underway for the building's potential reopening. 

In the letter obtained by Spectrum News, Office of General Services Commissioner RoAnn Destito wrote the public health and safety requirements for the building are currently being reviewed. 

"As the COVID-19 infection rate continues to decrease, we have started the planning process to reopen our buildings safely and in a manner that protects the occupants who work here so they can continue to keep the state government operating as well as the visitors who come to engage with their representatives in New York State government or to view and learn about our historic Capitol's beautiful architecture, art and history," Destito wrote in the letter. "All public health and safety requirements are being reviewed and discussed with the appropriate tenants in our downtown Albany buildings."

The letter was sent to Senate Minority Leader Robert Ortt and Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay, who earlier this month wrote to Destito calling for a reopening plan for the building. 

The COVID-19 pandemic more than a year ago closed the building to visitors, including lobbyists, school groups and advocates who often descend on the building in droves between January and June when the Legislature is in session. Some lawmakers cast votes in person, while others have stayed in their offices to appear via video conference. 

Meanwhile, security around the complex was bolstered following the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol. State Street has closed to vehicle traffic in front of the building, and parts of the Capitol are lined with fencing and barricades for most of the year. 

Security around statehouses across the country was hardened amid concerns rioters would swarm state capitols across the country; ultimately no significant events occurred in the days after the attack. 

Destito in her letter attributed the fencing and barricades, which include signs warning against trespassing, as part of construction season at the building.