The Newtown Boards of Selectmen and Finance have met to advance the proposed police station building.  The Legislative Council will meet next week. 

Kaestle Boos Associates founding principal Chuck Boos says the 191 South Main Street building is in good shape so renovations can start as soon as bids are in.  He says that will shave five months off construction because the driveway cuts are there, and utilities and water are already in place. 

Police Chief James Viadero touted the site as being a good compromise, even though it's further south of the center of town than ideal.  He says that's because it's on a main thoroughfare, it's visible and is closer to the Public Works building where they have to go now to refuel patrol cars.  Viadero added that police, unlike firefighters, aren't necessarily dispatched from headquarters, they're out patrolling. 

He was asked about why a community room is needed.  Viadero says the department needs the space for training, running the police academy, police explorer programs, police commission meetings and could be used as an EOC.   In case of large scale crisis, the emergency operations center would have an established place for all involved agencies.