EASTON — Police Chief Keith Boone and Fire Chief Justin Alexander are pleased to share the launch of a new website dedicated to sharing information about the proposed Police, Fire, and Public Works Facilities Replacement project.
The website, eastonpsw.com, was launched this week as a central location for all project information. The site features information on the project’s background, current conditions and the proposed facilities, as well as documents, videos, key dates and frequently asked questions. Additional updates about the project will also be shared via the website moving forward.
Residents are encouraged to attend the following community forums and tours to learn more about the facilities’ existing conditions and the proposed project:
- Community Forum and Department of Public Works Tour:
- Sept. 14 at 6:30 p.m., 130 Center St., North Easton
- Community Forum and Tour of Police/Fire Facility:
- Oct. 2 at 6:30 p.m., 46/48 Lothrop St., North Easton
A Special Town Meeting will be held on Oct. 23 during which the Town will ask voters whether to approve the appropriation of funds for the purpose of the facilities replacement project. Voters will then be asked whether to approve a Proposition 2 1/2 debt exclusion during a ballot vote on Nov. 4 in order to fund the approved borrowing. The project requires approval at both the Town Meeting and ballot vote in order to advance to design and construction.
About the project:
Following approval by Easton voters at the November 2021 Town Meeting, the Town began the feasibility process to replace its existing police, fire and public works facilities with modern and safe facilities to meet the needs of its first responders and citizens. The project involves constructing a new combined DPW facility, police and fire headquarters, and fire substation, consolidating multiple outdated buildings. With facilities ranging from 50 to more than 70 years old, the existing structures no longer meet various health, safety, and environmental codes, and are beyond their useful lives.
The estimated cost for this comprehensive project is $150 million, covering the buildings, sitework, traffic signaling, furniture, equipment, and technology. By consolidating the existing 14 buildings into three, the new facilities provide ample space for equipment storage and personnel to work safely, ultimately enabling the Town to deliver the best possible service to the Easton community.
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