Question 1

What is the project?

Accepted Answer

The Town is seeking to replace the current building where the Police Department is located in order to meet current-day public safety needs.  The current building was renovated in the 1990s to become a police station.  It has served its purposes over the decades but is no longer suitable for the community’s current needs.

Question 2

Why is the new police station needed?

Accepted Answer

The Police Department moved into the Union School location in 1992.  Since then the department has outgrown the facility that already lacked proper accommodations for a police station. The town and department management has made many fiscal decisions on repairs over the years but as the building has continued to age the repairs have gotten abundant. In its current state, this building is proven to be insufficient for the needs of both the department and the community.

Question 3

Why not renovate the existing facility?

Accepted Answer

Police Stations are considered a “Code Four” emergency facilities.  The Existing Conditions Report has identified many areas needing upgrades and recommendations to comply with current building codes, fire and energy codes, Massachusetts Architectural Access Board Requirements (MAAB), National Fire Protection Association recommendations, and Emergency Services Communications Systems recommendations.  In addition, the current state of the facility has been deemed more of a liability to the Town as much of the building is not compliant with ADA/MAAB regulations as well as other safety regulations.

Question 4

Is the police station going to move from the current location?

Accepted Answer

The Select Board and the Town Administration would like to keep the police station on the current lot. The Town of Burlington is unique as all municipal buildings are centrally located; if possible the police station would be kept where it is currently located.  The current site of the Police Station is ideal as its central location provides easy access to schools and businesses should an emergency arise.

Question 5

What other sites were examined?

Accepted Answer

The town focused on land it currently owned to keep the cost as low as possible but was willing to explore privately owned land if these potential sites were not feasible.  The sites that were examined were the Vine Brook Water Treatment Plant, the Pine Glen School, and the property adjacent to the Burlington High School entrance (area of 125 Cambridge Street).

Question 6

What is the cost of the project?

Accepted Answer

The total project cost estimate is $46.2 million.

Question 7

Are the plans and renderings presented final?

Accepted Answer

The images presented are conceptual in nature.  As such they may be modified based on further input from the community.

Question 8

Can we tour the existing Burlington Police Station?

Accepted Answer

Anyone is welcome to take a tour of the facility.  We just ask that you please make an appointment.

BURLINGTON POLICE STATION
BUILDING PROJECT

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS