Joint Police and Fire Station Proposal To Go Before Sandwich Selectmen

SANDWICH – Selectmen in Sandwich will get updated information tonight on a proposal for a new joint police and fire station, and could vote on the matter.

Plans call for a $16-18 million facility at the  corner of Quaker Meeting House Road and Cotuit Road. The proposal would enable the closure of the current police headquarters on Route 6A and the Forestdale fire station.

The project would need a 4-1 vote from selectmen since it would require a proposition two and a half debt exclusion from voters. Town officials would also ask for a $750,000 override to hire eight additional firefighters and EMTs.

If selectmen approve the plans, it could put the funding request before voters in May. The proposal has gone before voters twice and has not been successful.

New plans call for a significantly smaller facility than originally requested, about 23,000 square feet compared to 71,000 square feet.

If approved, the schedule calls for construction to wrap up in time for the fiscal year 2019 budget.