LYNNFIELD — The Town of Lynnfield, in conjunction with the Lynnfield Public Safety Building Committee, is pleased to share updated cost estimates and renderings for the proposed building projects for the Lynnfield Police and Fire Departments, as well as Town Hall.
The total project cost is estimated at $63.5 million. Town Meeting will be asked to authorize the funding of the project when it convenes on Nov. 14 at Lynnfield Middle School.
If approved, the projects are expected to result in an increase to the average residents’ tax bill of $385 annually, $32/month for 30 years. The impact on taxpayers is lessened as a result of the expiration of debt service on the $67 million school project and Reedy Meadow Golf Course purchase. The debt service on those projects began between 2001 and 2004.
Last summer, the town completed a feasibility study that reviewed existing conditions, defined needs and charted a path forward for renovating or replacing both police and fire headquarters, as well as the south fire station, and making accessibility improvements at Town Hall. Throughout late 2021, the Public Safety Building Committee reviewed the study in great detail, looked at phasing options, constructability and budget and created a plan to bring these projects forward.
This spring, the town launched Lynnfieldbuildingprojects.com as a resource for community members to learn more about the projects, including the shortcomings of existing facilities and the proposed upgrades and service enhancements residents should expect from new facilities.
The proposed new facilities would solve numerous issues that currently affect the police and fire stations. Currently, the police station has inadequate lobby space, an undersized communications center and outdated radio equipment. Additionally, the police station suffers from inadequate and unsafe space for holding or moving prisoners through the station.
The police station and both fire stations also lack adequate restrooms, locker rooms and private space for female officers and firefighters. Lynnfield’s fire stations also lack appropriate parking, training and storage space.
Additionally, the fire stations lack adequate space for storing and decontaminating firefighter safety gear, which is a critical factor in preventing occupational health hazards like cancer and other diseases.
“We believe these facilities would ultimately keep our first responders safe and enable both of our agencies to modernize our operations and expand our recruiting abilities, all in service to the Town of Lynnfield and its residents,” Fire Chief Glenn Davis said.
If approved at the upcoming fall Town Meeting, the projects would be the subject of a townwide debt exclusion vote on Dec. 6.
To learn more about the proposed projects, visit lynnfieldbuildingprojects.com — which is accessible on desktop and mobile devices.
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