2017-04-12-PBC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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173 Bedford Street Option The Conceptual Design presented for the Bedford Street Location would tear down the existing building and build a new Police Headquarters. The new construction would be approximately 2,900 s.f. smaller than Option 1 but would be available sooner. Police Chief Corr stated he has many concerns with building at this location. • The new construction would utilize the lower level for lockers, a fitness center, computer equipment, an armory, and locker rooms. The main level would consist of administration, investigation and an evidence room. • The main entrance with parking in front is inviting. There would be 100-110 parking spaces available. A drive-thru Sallyport would have a 9 bay parking area. • It was brought to attention the extra space in back that is used by the Knights of Columbus for overflow parking could also be considered for use and is town owned property. Chief Mark Corr's Discussion for Preference at Mass. Ave. Although the Bedford location is a large and attractive site that would allow for expansion, there are also drawbacks to this location. • This location is located on the final approach to the Hanscom Base Airport. A Communication Tower could not be placed on the top of the building. Communication options would be to be reviewed. • A large volume of trucks that transport hazardous materials use Route 128. Prevailing winds are westerly, and could potentially affect emergency response if there were an accident on the highway involving hazardous materials. • Bedford St. sees a very large volume of traffic and is only a two lane road potentially affecting the number of exit options out of the Station. It is also a large residential area with trees, with the potential to have an effect on power. • The current Mass. Ave. location serves day to day operations very well. This location allows for more exit option out of the Station, and room for vehicles to pull over due to Mass. Ave. having four lanes. HDC Discussion There is an iconographic relationship of law, town and the public with the current location of the Police on Mass. Ave. The conceptual designs overall are too big and loses presence of the original building. There is a need to get away from the fortress mentality and make a Police Station more welcoming to all. Renovating Mass. Ave. location would serve the public needs for 50/60 years. • The current structure might not meet the standard for demolition and rebuild. It was mentioned that there are many roof leaks and materials could start failing. • Hosmer House relocation could be a consideration. HDC believes options can be made to work with the in -town location. • DPF reminded the PBC we are here to review a program to present to the Board of Selectman (BOS). From what has been discussed, could an acceptable design be achieved for the Mass. Ave. location that HDC would accept? PBC Meeting 04.12.17 2