Consultants Outline Design Challenges for Ridgefield Police, Fire Facilities During Committee Review

RIDGEFIELD, CT — The Ridgefield Public Safety Facilities Committee on March 5 reviewed findings from architecture and planning firm Kaestle Boos Associates, which highlighted several significant design challenges facing the town as it considers long-term solutions for police and fire department facilities.

Committee Chair Wally Martinez said the meeting was intended to help members understand prior planning work as the committee evaluates options for addressing operational and space needs at the town’s aging public safety buildings.

“Our job is to gather the information, understand the needs and then make recommendations,” Martinez said.

Aging Buildings and Space Constraints

KBA consultants said the town’s current public safety facilities — particularly the police headquarters — were not designed to accommodate modern operational demands.

The police building, originally constructed decades ago, lacks sufficient space for investigative work, evidence storage and modern technology infrastructure, the consultants said.

The building’s layout also limits the ability to separate secure and public areas, a feature common in newer police facilities designed to improve safety and operational efficiency.

Key Design Challenges Identified

During the presentation, KBA representatives highlighted several issues they said complicate potential redesign or expansion of the current facilities.

One challenge involves limited site space at the existing police headquarters, which constrains the ability to expand the building footprint while maintaining required parking, emergency access and secure areas.

Another issue is the need to accommodate modern equipment and apparatus used by the fire department. Larger vehicles and specialized equipment require additional clearance, storage space and circulation areas that older stations were not designed to provide.

KBA consultants also noted the complexity of integrating modern communication and technology systems, including emergency dispatch infrastructure, which must be housed in secure, climate-controlled environments with redundant power and connectivity.

Those technical requirements can significantly affect building layout and construction costs.

Committee Members Probe Earlier Planning Work

Committee members asked several questions about how the earlier study evaluated different site options and operational models.

Members said understanding the assumptions behind previous proposals is critical before the committee considers any new recommendations.

Members also discussed whether police and fire functions must ultimately be located in the same facility or whether separate buildings could better meet operational needs.

Committee Role Emphasized

Martinez reiterated that the committee does not have a predetermined outcome and has not been directed to recommend either renovation or new construction.

“We’ve been given a clean slate,” he said.

The committee’s role is to review operational requirements, potential sites and financial considerations before presenting options to the Board of Selectpersons.

Next Steps

Committee members said they will continue reviewing operational data, site possibilities and cost considerations before developing recommendations.

Future meetings are expected to include additional discussion with police and fire leadership as well as continued public outreach to residents.

The committee will ultimately deliver its findings to the Board of Selectpersons for consideration.