To the Editor:
Shrewsbury voters have a critical decision to make regarding public safety in the upcoming election. Our nearly 50-year old police station is substantially under-sized with significant structural and infrastructure challenges. Any major renovations will force compliance with current building codes for Essential Services Facilities, making a renovation/addition project fiscally infeasible. The existing building is severely cramped and we lack effective storage space, especially evidence and records storage which require temperature control. When the station opened we had 22 officers; today we have 48 officers and our total incidents and calls for service have increased 300 percent since 1980 alone.
In addition, our Public Safety Radio Communication System is 25-years old and relies on antiquated technology. The system used by Police, Fire, EMS, DPW and SELCO is no longer supported by the manufacturer and parts are no longer available. There are also dead spots in town and certain buildings, making it extremely difficult for our public safety professionals to communicate in emergency situations.
The Selectmen, Finance Committee and Town Meeting Members agree – now is the time to build a new police station on town-owned land adjacent to the existing one and install a new communication system that will better protect our first responders and residents. Voting YES on Question 3 is the best investment for taxpayers – it will increase public safety, support modern policing and interest rates are below 1.9 percent for capital projects. Please join me in voting YES on Question 3.
State Representative Hannah Kane
Shrewsbury
