Officials in Dalton, Massachusetts, are debating where a new public safety facility will go, as the cheapest option raises major unanswered questions among town leaders.
Here's what to know
According to The Berkshire Eagle, Dalton's Public Safety Land Acquisition Committee is comparing three possible sites for a shared police and fire building. The Select Board received three offers in June: 197 Main Street for $900,000; 726 and 730 Main Street, along with 70 Myrtle Street, for $975,000; and a West Housatonic Street parcel from Crane & Co. for $69,700.
Committee chair Don Davis said that despite the Crane parcel's low asking price, the town still lacks enough information to fully evaluate it.
"We've never really walked the property, we have no soil borings," Davis said while unfolding a color-coded survey of the land.
Referring to a preliminary survey from Foresight Land Services, Davis said officials have only a basic picture of the parcel. He said the site's steep slopes and low-lying terrain could pose problems beyond construction.
"You're pulling out with a ladder truck that's 75 feet long and you gotta make a steep corner," he explained, showing concern for emergency vehicle access.
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Davis said firefighters from other departments told him that the turn onto West Housatonic Street and the road's grade could cause engines to lose traction in icy conditions.
Fire Chief Richard Foley said he has similar worries about whether crews could reach main roads quickly during emergencies.
"It would be a concern," Foley admitted.
More background
Dalton has been trying for more than a decade to find land for a new police department. The existing station has plumbing issues, poor ventilation, and holding cells that do not meet state standards.
The fire department has also raised its own issues with its building, which The Berkshire Eagle described as cramped and outdated. Those concerns have helped build support for a combined public safety facility meant to address both departments' needs.
Selectman Bob Bishop, who supported the West Housatonic parcel, resigned from the committee because he also serves on the Conservation Commission and the Building Committee.
"I didn't want to give the impression of a conflict of interest," Bishop wrote to The Eagle.
What's being done?
Town officials are still considering the Crane parcel. The proposed purchase remains on the warrant for a special town meeting, but committee members say they want a fuller professional review before supporting it as the site of a combined facility.
The committee unanimously voted to invite Brian Humes, the town-contracted architect, to speak at its next public meeting on October 29.
Wetlands on the parcel are another concern Humes has identified as an obstacle to development, and committee members want a more complete assessment for that reason as well. Police Chief Deanna Strout said she would prefer an official review before ruling out the land entirely.
Davis asked Foley to meet with fire department personnel to study how the department's needs would fit into a shared building. Early estimates place the engine bay requirement at about 6,000 to 10,000 square feet, and the committee wants to determine whether other parts of the proposal can be reduced.
Vice Chair Ryan Flanders said, "There is value in this land, I just don't know if the value is with a combined facility. I would like to speak to Mr. Humes, and I would like it to be public, so that we can potentially ask questions about this land."
Where can I learn more?
Dalton isn't the only community weighing whether site conditions and city plans could make a project too difficult or risky to build.
• In Massachusetts, neighbors secured 100 conditions on the site near seniors' homes.
• Berwick's planning board ordered a deeper gravel pit review amid dust, water, and truck fears.
• In Texas, homeowners warned that monster developments near their neighborhood could overwhelm the area.
• At an elementary school, a dangerous traffic layout left parents questioning basic street design.
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