Guilford Police Chief Issues Letter To Community On Potential Property Purchase

GUILFORD, CT — Ahead of an informational meeting on Thursday, Guilford Police Chief Christopher Massey has issued a letter to the community about the potential purchase of a property next to police headquarters.

Guilford is seeking to purchase a 1.1-acre property at 370 Church St., next to the police and fire stations, for $1.77 million.

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In a recent announcement, Guilford noted the privately owned property would be a "valuable asset" to the town, as officials decide what to do with the aging police station.

Massey noted the police station has been in use since 1996, and the building currently needs "significant repairs/renovations" to sustain current operations and ensure police are prepared to adapt to future needs.

"I began working with department members and other Town Officials a few years ago on evaluating the current condition and long-term viability of this facility," Massey said.

According to Massey, some of the needs identified throughout the process include, but are not limited to:

• Expansion of storage and garage space, including improvements to the existing sally port
• Expansion of the women's locker room to support the department's growing number of female officers
• Structural renovations such as a new roof and window replacements
• Consideration of solar power implementation
• Mechanical system improvements, including HVAC, plumbing, and electrical
• Enhanced site security
• Additional space for evolving program needs, such as the Police Social Worker program and Traffic Safety initiatives
• Increased parking facilities for department equipment, staff, and visitors accessing the public safety campus

Officials have consulted with architectural firm Silver Petrucelli & Associates, which conducted a "comprehensive" needs assessment study that identified approximately $19.9 million in potential renovation costs, Massey noted.

"Given the magnitude of this estimate, a follow-up programming study was requested to evaluate future departmental needs and provide a cost comparison between renovating the existing facility and constructing a new one," Massey added.

"These studies continue to inform police department and Town officials as we continue to review options and determine the most fiscally responsible path forward. Neither study represents a formal plan currently before residents for a vote, and additional work will be required before any plan is presented for community consideration through referendum."

Information on both studies can be found on the Guilford police website.

Massey said the potential acquisition of the property "provides the Town with critical flexibility as research and planning continues," and he said the parcel of land is "strategically positioned adjacent to the public safety campus and gives us the ability to review potential options that did not exist on the current campus due to the limited space available."

Residents are encouraged to attend the informational meeting on Thursday at 7 p.m. at Guilford High School.

A special town meeting is then slated for 7 p.m. on Sept. 15 at GHS, where residents will be tasked with voting only on whether to approve the purchase.

"This process offers an important opportunity to understand long-term departmental needs and share questions or feedback with Town officials early in the planning stages," Massey said. "More important, this gives us the opportunity to hear from you."

Massey thanked residents for taking time to participate in the process, and he also extended appreciation to the Guilford Standing Building Committee, Board of Selectmen, Board of Finance, Board of Police Commissioners, Land Acquisition Committee, Finance Department, Facilities Department, and Silver Petrucelli & Associates for "their ongoing work, guidance, and thoughtful contributions throughout this review process."

More information on the potential property purchase can be found here.