Freetown residents get first look at proposed police station

Over the next couple of weeks, the Board of Selectmen, in coordination with the police station subcommittee, is hosting a series of informational meetings on the much-discussed plans for a new police station.

FREETOWN — Over the next couple of weeks, the Board of Selectmen, in coordination with the police station subcommittee, is hosting a series of informational meetings on the much-discussed plans for a new police station.

“We’ve known for quite some time that we were going to have to build a new building, whether a police station or new town hall. The Building Committee looked at the feasibility study and we all thought that the building that was in most dire need of an upgrade was the police station,” said Selectman Lisa Pacheco, at the first meeting on Wednesday.

Now, residents have the opportunity to learn about what is being proposed by consulting group Pomroy Associates and design firm Compass Group Architecture (CGA).

As described by Andrew Digiammo, architect for CGA, the current one-story 3,000-square-foot station, originally built in the late 1970s, is undersized and has an assortment of structural flaws and safety problems.

The lack of space has forced areas of the station to be used for multiple purposes. The break room is also used for weapons cleaning, evidence processing, report writing and roll call. Storage for equipment, evidence and supplies is limited with the department resorting to poorly ventilated trailers, garages and an attic for space.

The restrooms are too small and disproportionate to the number of staff. The building’s detention area and holding cells are cramped and riddled with safety violations cited by the state’s Department of Health. The building’s only interview room isn’t fully soundproof. Audio and telecommunications equipment for the station, including the tower, are antiquated and unable to compete with the town’s topography.

Structural problems prevent any real renovation, like adding a second floor. Much of the building is below grade and is prone to moisture issues on rainy and snowy days. The building’s roofline and ceiling heights can’t safely support new systems or upgrades, which is why there is no sprinkler system. The exterior walls are insulated with vermiculite, which makes any notion of expansion messy and expensive.

The site chosen for the new facility, the corner of Memorial Drive and Chace Road, will be two stories and over 17,000 square feet. This site has an upward slope, which, as described by Digiammo, works to the advantage of what’s being recommended. The ground level, with entrance from Memorial Drive, will be for the public and will house all program functions of the station. The upper level, with entrance from Chace Road, will be for personnel and will have a garage for police cruisers, as well as all necessary storage space for equipment, weapons, archives, and evidence.

Besides being compliant with all mechanical, electrical, plumbing, insulation, and safety codes, the new station will receive overdue equipment upgrades, including a 180-foot tall telecommunications tower. In addition, future expansion of the building could include an extra 8,700 square feet of finished attic space.

Independent estimates have the total cost projected to be close to $12.4 million. This number is offset from funds coming from the town’s reserve funds, such as free cash and capital stabilization.

“This is money we know we already have,” said Pacheco, who added that this money was gathered and saved over the last couple of years by the town.

The town will need to fund $6.5 million of the project cost through a 20-year debt exclusion. As estimated at Wednesday's meeting, at a declining rate over 20 years, residents would pay between $121 and $70.40 annually if the proposal goes forward.

The proposal will be up for vote at the Nov. 14 Special Town Meeting. If approved, construction could begin as early as spring 2019.