In the fall, we held a series of meetings to discuss our intention to examine possible sites for a new public safety building to house police and fire services. Since then, we’ve been working closely with USA Architects who have interviewed our chiefs and officials to determine their needs in a new space and if such a building can fit within the lot at 434 Haddon Avenue.
We learned last week that it fits on that site. What we ask ourselves now is, “How do we make it fit within our community and our budget?”
There is no question that new facilities are desperately needed. Now that we have a possible site, we begin answering questions of financing and functionality with input from residents of Collingswood with the goal of making it as beneficial a project for everyone in town as possible.
We met with USA Architects on June 1 and we’re holding a June 26 special forum to share the work that has been done to date. This forum will include our architects and the focus is next steps, possible design ideas, community impact, financing and other topics regarding the facility. To be clear, we have not finalized any decisions regarding this facility. No final renderings, floorplans or costs have been authorized. This forum is all about keeping residents informed and getting your feedback on this project as we move through this process together.
Know that part of keeping everyone “up to speed” includes some uncertainty of issues that are being fleshed out as we progress. We want to hear input and thoughts. We are exploring some different features and uses for the building and look forward to your thoughts.
All are welcome to discuss, ask questions, see and hear what’s next regarding this important facility - June 26 at the Collingswood Community Center at 7pm.
For those that have not yet seen the state of our PD and FD current facilities, police and fire will again host tours of their current buildings at 6pm on June 26, just before the forum.
We’re excited to work together on this desperately needed project. Thanks for all your feedback and engagement so far,
Mayor M. James Maley
