Expansion Of Bel Air Police Station To Be Discussed April 8

BEL AIR, MD — The town of Bel Air is looking for input on how to improve its police station. At an April 8 hearing, the public will be able to look at proposed plans, ask questions and give feedback. Officials say the Bel Air Police Department's current physical space presents challenges for staffing, storing evidence and keeping detainees.

Options under consideration for how to move forward include building an addition to the more than 50-year-old station or constructing a new police station next to Town Hall on Lee Way at North Hickory Avenue, according to the city's website.

In March, the Bel Air town commissioners voted to award a more than $43,000 contract to an architectural firm to study the feasability of building a new station.

Residents are being asked to comment on the possible $10.2 million cost for the project, which would require raising taxes. A 4 cent increase would cost taxpayers $78.35 a year, while a 5 cent increase in the tax rate would cost $97.95 annually.

"The Town of Bel Air would greatly appreciate feedback from town property owners, either in favor of or in opposition to this project," officials said online. "Your opinion matters greatly to us. We hope to receive messages that explain your thoughts and feelings regarding this project and how you feel it will impact you and your neighborhood and community, as a property owner, citizen, and tax payer in the Town of Bel Air."

The hearing will be held at 7:30 p.m. April 8 at the Bel Air Armory, 37 N. Main St.

Proposed Project Specifications

Projected Space Needs for New Facility

• 19,080 sf addition to Town Hall

Recommended Improvements to Existing Facility

• 7,128 sf improvements to existing Police facility
• 5,190 sf improvements to Town Hall
• Includes space for IT department
• Includes space for future growth

To provide feedback or ask questions, express concerns or request additional information, contact: Kevin Small, Director of Planning/Project Manager, at 410-638-4540 or policehq@belairmd.org. Include your name, town address, phone number, and email address in any correspondence so that the Town of Bel Air may respond.