Crime & Safety
Police, Facilities Director Thank Residents After Headquarters Funding Vote
Funding for the design of the proposed Hudson Road station passed by 83 votes.
They didn't get an overwhelming vote of support, but it was a majority nonetheless.
Acting Sudbury Police Chief Scott Nix and Combined Facilities Director Jim Kelly know many town residents still have concerns funding a new $7.5 million police headquarters on Hudson Road after Ballot Question 1 at Special Town Election barely passed, 2,622-2,539.
"We had the support of the majority but it was by a close margin," Nix said. "We appreciate the support of those who voted yes. But we still want to find out, the ones who voted no, what are the issues or concerns. We want to try to answer those and keep the project moving along."
Residents were asked whether the town be allowed to exempt from the provisions of proposition 2 1/2 the amounts required ($627,000) to pay for the bonds issued in order to provide professional and engineering services for the final design.
With the approval, there will be a $21 increase on the average tax bill for five years.
"It's a step in the right direction," Kelly said, who added he planned to meet with the Permanent Building Committee on Tuesday night to figure out the next steps for the project. "It was a close vote. I think we want to maintain our effort to continue to keep people up to date with what's happening."
The 14,540 square-foot project was reduced from its original plan of 18,000 square feet.
"We look forward to designing it and to come up with a hard price for individuals to make a proper decision on," Nix said. "But if they can't afford it, or feel they can't afford it, we totally understand that and respect that. But if it were for other reasons, we'd like them to reach out to us, to either Jim Kelly or I, and find out what the reasons are and see if we can (ease) some of those concerns."
Kelly said he is now focusing on hiring a project manager and designer, but will continue to be vocal with community about where the project stands.
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"We have to maintain dialog," he said. "It's worked out pretty well. We have to keep people engaged."
The plan now is for officials to present the full estimated $7.5 million project at next Annual Town Meeting."There's a lot of effort going into it," Nix said. "We just want to be clear with everybody with what we're trying to do. The (current) building will not sustain us for a number of years to come."
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