Pittsfield Police Award Station Feasibility Study Contract
 The city is hoping to replace the outdated Allen Street building. |
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The feasibility study on a new Police Station will begin next week after Kaestle Boos Associates Inc. has been awarded the contract.
According to Police Chief Michael Wynn, Kaestle Boos was chosen because of "extensive experience" in these type of projects.
Previously, the company has been involved in projects with police departments in Cambridge, Holden, Watertown and Monson. The company was one of four to bid on the contract.
The Kaestle Boos was chosen after an evaluation committee — consisting of Wynn, two Police Department representatives, the city's community Development Department and the Police Advisory Committee — reviewed the proposals and interviewed finalists.
The study is the first step the city has taken toward building a new police station. With the $30,000 contract the company is being asked to develop options, departmental needs and cost estimates — including possible locations — to replace the current 74-year-old station. The study is expected to be completed by June.
Replacing the Allen Street building has grown in priority in recent years. Officers have said the current building is problematic for the organization for an array of reasons.
Also last week, the department hired a new crime analyst. Amanda O'Connor was chosen and will join the staff shortly after the new year.
The two investments made by the city into the department have been cited by the Police Advisory Committee as priority needs. The crime analyst position was cited particularly to help combat gang activity while the station needs have been eyed by city officials for years.
Tags: capital projects, feasibility study, Pittsfield Police, police station,
