Ridgefield Residents Weigh $77 Million Combined Police-Fire Facility Proposal At Heated Public Hearing

RIDGEFIELD, CT — Town officials, architects and residents debated a $77.4 million proposal to build a combined police and fire headquarters during a public hearing Wednesday night, with supporters citing urgent safety and space needs and critics questioning costs, size, and the proposed Old Quarry Road site. The forum was held at East Ridge Middle School.

The project, which will appear on the Nov. 4 referendum ballot, calls for a 75,000-square-foot facility housing Ridgefield’s police, fire, volunteer fire, EMS, and dispatch operations. Officials said the plan represents a scaled-back version of a design presented earlier this year that was reduced by about $8 million through design changes and site adjustments.

Aging, Unsafe Facilities

Fire Chief Rommie Duckworth and Police Chief Jeff Kreitz described the town’s current stations as outdated and inadequate. The police station, built in 1890 as a residence, now accommodates 44 officers, five support staff and nine dispatchers. The downtown firehouse, dating to 1901, was designed for horse-drawn engines.

Duckworth noted the limited space, lack of decontamination areas, and outdated safety systems. Kreitz said officers lack private rooms to interview victims and conduct sensitive investigations.

Site and Cost Details

Architect Todd Costa of Kaestle Boos Associates said 36 Old Quarry Road was chosen after studies of multiple sites, including Copps Hill, Veterans Park, and the current department locations. The town owns the space — the former Schlumberger property — avoiding acquisition costs.

The estimated $77.4 million cost includes construction, site work, furnishings, professional fees, and contingencies. Officials said about $8.9 million of the total reflects Connecticut’s prevailing wage requirements. Tax impact projections suggest a roughly $500 annual increase on a $15,000 property tax bill over 20 years.

Residents Question Scope, Traffic and Taxes

Many residents at the hearing agreed the departments need new facilities but argued the scale and expense could burden taxpayers. Several called for alternative sites, smaller designs, or additional cost analysis, and asked whether a traffic study had been conducted for the narrow Quarry Road corridor.

“I don’t think anyone here would argue the need for the facility,” said a Rising Ridge Road resident. “How can we get to the right size solution at a cost that doesn't run folks out of town?” Others urged officials to explore energy savings, community input sessions, or future grants to reduce long-term costs.

Some residents defended the plan, warning that further delays would increase expenses amid rising construction costs. “Perfect is the enemy of good,” said one attendee. "If we spent two years studying this, we're going to be back at the same place or higher. We've had two years with an inadequate police and fire building that is actually endangering our first responders. Doesn't seem to me to be a good idea."

Next Steps

If approved Nov. 4, the project would move into a year-long design phase followed by an estimated 20-month construction period. If voters reject it, officials said the town may revisit the plan through new community workshops or “charrettes.”

Two additional informational sessions are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Oct. 25 at the Ridgefield Library.