So long, old, antiquated Opp Utilities building.

Hello, new state-of-the-art building.

The Opp Utilities Board opened Monday in its new location — a new facility built on the grounds of the former J.M. Jackson Chevrolet-Buick on Hart Avenue.

Opp Mayor John Bartholomew, who is the chairman of the Opp Utilities Board, said he was excited about the opening.

“I believe our employees are going to enjoy having the space and being out of that dark building,” he said. “The whole facility is light and airy and the colors are extraordinary.”

Bartholomew said new parking is a plus for the new facility.

“I cannot tell you how often since becoming mayor and chairman of the Opp Utilities Board how many folks have commented about not being able to park in front of the old building because all the spaces there, and in front of and beside the Opp Police Department were filled,” he said. “That is not the case anymore. We have ample off street parking, so you will no longer have to worry about traffic zipping by on Main Street.”

The building is handicapped accessible, he said.

“We took into consideration that we have an older population and things like opening doors can be troublesome,” he said. “Let’s face it, some doors are so heavy, it’s harder on some. At our new building, a simple push of the handicapped button and the door will open automatically.”

There is also a window for people who use wheelchairs, he said.

The department is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

For more info, call 493-4571.