Newtown's Police Chief has given the Board of Selectmen an update on planning for a new police station.  Chief James Viadero says four firms are interested in designing a new facility.  A presentation to a six-member ad hoc town committee is set for today. 

Viadero says they're looking to build on up to 28-thousand square feet at the Fairfield Hills campus.  Specifically, a new police station could be located at the much larger Cochran House, which was built in 1956. The site is adjacent to the town's Emergency Operations Center.  But that is a preliminary proposal. 

During the budget referendum in April, residents approved $300,000 in bonding for planning for a new building. 

The police station now is on the upper level of the Main Street building, with town offices on the lower level.  Viadero says the current facility is cramped and has inadequate parking, among other issues--and because of that, it limits their efficiency. 

Viadero says each architect will explain why they're the most qualified and take questions from the committee, which will then make a decision on the firm to provide an artist rendering.  Their work is for a design and schematics only, not a recommendation on a location.  It will be up to committee where a new facility should be located.  Once that happens, the firms will be able to make a determination on suitability of the proposed site for their proposal.