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FARMINGTON – Since the news last week that Franklin Memorial Hospital is donating a medical practice building on Franklin Avenue for use as a new police station, Police Chief Jack Peck has been compiling a wish list.
Selectmen have asked Peck to come up with a list of what renovations to the 6,000 square foot building may be needed before the police department can move in. The Franklin Health Farmington Family Practice, with its staff of four healthcare providers at 116 Franklin Avenue will be relocated to the ground floor of the Medical Arts Center on the Franklin Memorial Hospital campus in March.
Acceptance of the donated building, along with the costs associated for renovation will need to be approved by voters at the annual town meeting in March.
“On its face, it looks good,” Peck said after touring the building a few times. “Right now, I don’t see the need for any major repairs or renovations.” Thought to have housed various medical practices since the 1970s, Peck said before that the 1-acre site may have been home to a lumber yard. Franklin Avenue is a mostly residential street that connects to High Street on the east end at the fairgrounds and to Farmington Falls Road at the west end. Located about a 1/4 mile from the municipal office, Peck said the location is great.
It’s also within a half mile of the site that had been proposed for a 9,000 square foot police station voters rejected in November 2009. The $2.75 million price tag for the new station in a downward-trending economy was the major reason given by voters for its defeat. Those in favor of the project had been working for years on finding a solution to the chronic lack of space the 14-officer force now utilizes in a 1,500 square foot section of the municipal building.
The building has undergone upgrades over the years and the major systems, such as heating and plumbing, appear to be in good shape. Peck said to be sure, the building will undergo a thorough inspection. Number one on his wish list of renovations involve security issues. An alarm system, a secure entrance and lobby area, access codes at the entrances and evidence storage room security needs are on his list. Ideally, a heated garage to work on the cruisers when needed would be helpful.
“The price is right,” he said of the gift. “We’d be happy to potentially move in, if voters approve it.”
Selectmen and Peck will be discussing the building and what needs to be done at their Dec. 28 meeting.
