Why do the police need a building of this size?

A space study was performed in 2010 by Donham & Sweeney Architects who recommended a new Police Station should be appropriately sized at 28,306 square feet. The current design is 30,000, which includes the additional 4,000 square feet added at the completion of the Community Conversations on Policing. The Police Department has been operating with a woefully inadequately sized building for the past 30+ years. Lastly, the building has been built with flexibility for future use given the likely nature of change within the industry.

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1. Why do the police need a building of this size?
2. What is the cause of higher than expected costs?
3. Can you please detail the cost increase to taxpayers with median home value as well as $500K, $2M and $3M increments? Could you also please provide the revised timeline of estimated tax increases?
4. Why can’t you build the building with cheaper materials?
5. Are there spaces in the building that support community needs?
6. What is the de-escalation training room?
7. What is the height of the current Police Station and what is the height of the proposed Police Station?
8. How many floors will the proposed Police Station have?
9. Why does the project include indoor parking?
10. How many cars can be stored inside?
11. Is there infrastructure included for electric vehicle charging stations?
12. Does the project include an indoor firing range?
13. Is the building an all-electric design?
14. Is solar part of the building design?
15. Are there any restrooms that the public will be allowed to use?
16. Does the design include all-gender bathrooms?
17. How many officers is the building designed for?
18. What’s going to happen with the Hosmer House?
19. What is the large metal tower at the rear of the building?
20. What is the purpose of the communication antenna (tower)?
21. Does the communication antenna (tower) have to be located next to the Police Station?
22. While the requirements of the new station follow best practices for police station requirements, it has been asked about other new stations in the Massachusetts area. Their costs? Their size?