Coventry Proposes Construction of New Police Station

The Coventry Police Department is proposing a modern police complex with upgraded communication and improved facilities.

The current police station at 1075 Main St. is outdated and not structurally accommodating for a police staff, according to police.

The new facility would be build on property adjacent to 50 Wood St.

A presentation will be held on the new police facility proposal at the Coventry Police Department’s open house at 7 p.m. on Wednesday.

The proposal offers a multi-acre public space along the Pawtuxet River for residents that would include the new police complex, Human Services, Senior Center, Parks and Recreation Ball Field, First Student, Community Room, the Town Green, expanded parking, new road network and the river walk.

According to Lt. John MacDonald, the new complex would have the following impact on taxpayers beginning in 2016:

• An average homeowner whose home is assessed at $200,000 would see an increase in $1.36 to $1.61 a week.
• An average homeowner whose home is assessed at $300,000 would see an increase of $2.04 to $2.41 a week.
• Less than a cup of coffee per week for a new facility.

The 73-year-old police station was built as a Town Hall in 1941 and the Police Department moved into the building in 1980. The old building would be preserved and used if the proposal passes.

The doors, stairs and offices of the current police station are not compliant with the Americans With Disabilities Act and the station has no space for elevator installation, according to a Coventry Police Department flyer.

The building’s structure grows mold and causes flooding during heavy rainstorms. The walls and ceilings are peeling due to moisture and leaks, there are no sprinklers or fire suppression systems available, the Evidence and CSI Lab floods and there is no ventilation in the evidence room, according to police.

Police said the current police station is not designed for safe handling for prisoners: there is no separate juvenile holding area, prisoners are escorted on unsafe concrete stairs and there is no sally port or car port to receive prisoners.

Members can vote on the proposal on the general election ballot, question no. 9., on Tues, Nov. 4.

Photo: A graphic pictorial the proposed new Coventry Police Complex built on town owned land adjacent to 50 Wood St. with updates to the existing infrastructure including additional parking, road networks and open space.

Photo Credit: Coventry Police Department