The current building is deteriorating and needs immediate
repairs. It houses the Police, Fire,
Emergency Management, Ambulance and the Highway Division of the DPW in
approximately 22,000 square feet. A very
complete engineering study determined that all of the departments combined
should have approximately 60,000 square feet in order to meet the current needs
and to provide space for the future.
This would cost the Town considerably more than the
residents could afford, so the Public Safety Building Committee took a hard look
at the study, and reduced the square footage, changed the building types and
looked at renovating the current space to come in with a plan that was “more
affordable”.
Residents at Town Meeting, although understanding of the
need, could not support the $15 million dollar estimate. The committee would like to find a better way
to communicate the needs and exactly what the $15 Million dollars would
provide. Our goal is to provide the most
accurate information available to town residents.
The support for the Police and Fire was evident; however in
order to renovate the current building for the Fire Department, Highway
Department needs to move out. The
current plans are for a metal building, partially heated to provide a shelter for
the equipment, maintenance area for repairs, wash bay for all town vehicles,
locker room, and a small office area for the staff.
The renovations at the Fire Station would provide for locker
rooms for changing and storage of gear, laundry to clean contaminated clothing,
updated heating systems, renovated kitchen, and office space.
The Police Building will be a new building, with dispatch,
cells, booking rooms, lockers rooms, kitchen, and office space.