Planning For New Hix Bridge Site Westport Police Station Continues

Selectmen approved sending before voters a request to borrow $580,000 for the planning and design of a new police station on the Hix Bridge Road Fire station property.

Voters at the special Town Meeting on Dec. 1 will have an opportunity to weigh in on whether to move forward.

A feasibility committee proposed different options but authorities last month expressed a strong interest in the Hix Bridge Road site. "I think it is the best option and provides us with the most opportunity to provide some economy of scale and some economy of use," Selectmen Vice Chairman R. Michael Sullivan said of the proposed site. Police Chief Keith Pelletier also expressed support for that site after problems due to the harsh winter last year.

The current police station building's 7,600 square feet is far smaller than the estimated 18,000 square feet it will need for the next 30 years, according to last months's presentation. The presentation for the new station noted several (30 pages worth) state health and safety violations that were uncovered this year.

The report also revealed that many similar-sized communities have built or are in the midst of building a station with 18,000 square feet for policing needs. The committee also identified and ranked four different options for the future police building needs — build a new station on a site on State Road; build a station somewhere within Central Village; rehabilitate and add on to the current police station; or build a station adjacent to the new Hix Bridge Road fire station.