Guilford Selectmen Approve $36K Study On Police Facility Needs

GUILFORD, CT — The Board of Selectmen last week unanimously approved a $36,000 proposal to study the space and long-term facility needs of the Guilford Police Department, as officials weigh whether to renovate the current station or pursue a new building.

The study, to be conducted by Silver Petrucelli, will evaluate programming and space requirements and result in a facility development plan, Police Chief Chris Massey told the board, according to the meeting minutes.

Lt. Tim Bernier said the existing police station, built years ago, did not anticipate the department’s growth and no longer meets current needs. He said some staff are working in makeshift spaces such as closets.

Standing Building Committee Chair David DeMaio said a prior needs assessment found the building is failing to meet operational demands. While smaller additions had been considered, he said those options could be costly and may not address long-term needs, according to the meeting minutes.

The study is expected to help the town determine the appropriate size of a future facility and identify potential sites.

Massey said the current building also has ongoing maintenance issues, including a leaky roof that has needed replacement. He said officials must determine whether investing in repairs and additions would extend the building’s useful life or whether constructing a new facility would be more cost-effective over time, the meeting minutes noted.

Selectman Justin Trotta raised concerns about the potential cost of a new police facility alongside other major capital projects, including a new Public Works facility.

He said the study is necessary to compare the value of building new versus renovating the existing structure, though he questioned whether targeted upgrades, such as roof and window replacements, could extend the building’s lifespan by 10 to 15 years.

Trotta also cited space limitations, including in the women’s locker room. In response, Massey said the department’s increase in women officers reflects organic growth and emphasized that a more diverse force strengthens the department and better represents the community, the minutes said.

First Selectman Matt Hoey and Selectman Lou Federici said the timing of potential capital projects is being planned around the town’s debt schedule. Federici noted that as high school bond payments begin to decline in the coming years, the town is expected to have greater borrowing capacity. Hoey said officials have been sequencing major projects accordingly.

Selectman Robert Renner said moving forward with the study will give the town better information to coordinate project timing and assess impacts on taxpayers, the minutes noted. He also asked about the firm’s experience with public safety facilities, and Massey said Silver Petrucelli has worked on similar projects, including the North Branford Police Department.

The board approved the proposal unanimously.