Layout of proposed John D. Fitzgerald Safety Complex, Plaistow, N.H.
Town leaders in Plaistow, N.H. are set to launch construction of a new, expanded $8.5 million public safety center, approved by town voters last March.
The public is invited to a groundbreaking ceremony this Saturday, Oct. 8, 9 a.m., at John D. Fitzgerald Safety Complex, 27 Elm St., Plaistow. As WHAV reported last March, plans call for building a new, nearly 14,000 square foot Plaistow police station adjacent to a renovated Plaistow fire station. During the March 8 town election, 68.5 percent of voters casting a choice to the ballot question approved the project. A 60 percent majority was required.
Plaistow’s Public Safety Complex Building Committee coordinated work over the past decade “to identify and address significant deficiencies with the existing police facility.” Security and overcrowding issues at the current police station were cited by reviews “against evolving industry standards, best practices and recently constructed facilities throughout New Hampshire and Massachusetts.” Deficiencies also identified at the fire station include lack of adequate ventilation in locker areas doubling as laundry and storage space, as well as a lack of adequate space for fire officers and administration support staff due in part to reconfigured building uses.