Public Hearing Set for Proposed $21 Million Berlin Police HQs

A public hearing to gather residents' sentiments on the need to spend $21 million for a new Berlin Police headquarters has been scheduled for September.

The Town Council voted 3-2 at its July 15 meeting to hold hearing on Sept. 16, according to reports.

Police Chief Paul Fitzgerald said the current headquarters in the lower level of the municipal complex are inadequate, lack proper space for victim interviews, document storage, locker rooms, the dispatch center and a firing range. The town had purchased the former Kensington Furniture property on Farmington Avenue several years ago with the intention of building a new police facility, according to The Courant.

A Democratic effort, led by Mayor Rachel Rochette, to hold the hearing in late July failed as two other Democratic council members were absent due to vacations, according to The Courant.

Rochette argued that a September public hearing would not provide enough time to place a referendum on the project on the November election ballot. According to the Berin Citizen, Republican David Evans argued the proposed July 29 hearing would be held at the height of summer vacations and not afford all residents the opportunity to learn more about the project and voice their opinions.