By GENEVIEVE REILLY
ConnPost Staff writer
Article Last Updated: 10/19/2008 01:40:51 AM EDT
FAIRFIELD -- The Police Department is launching a new building project at the town's marina to replace a 40-year-old structure that was once a bait shop but now houses the department's marine division.
Using $10,000 in the public works budget and donations from the community, the new two-story building -- ready for occupancy by next summer -- will provide the police with a 360-degree view of the marina, and the public with handicapped-accessible bathroom facilities and meeting space.
"This project has been on the drawing board for over a year," Police Chief David Peck said.
The public works money was originally intended for repairs to the existing building's roof and bathrooms, but a conversation between Officer Grant Dalling, one of three members of the marine division, and longtime friend and building contractor Thomas Kane spurred the building project.
Dalling, whose father enlisted community support 20 years ago to build the gazebo on Sherman Green, said, "What better resources than your friends?"
"I'm a boater, I grew up in the beach area," said Kane, who will serve as the project manager.
"We have a lot of talents in our town," Dalling said, "and even though times are tough, people are willing to get involved."
The new building, he said, "is desperately needed."
Kane will provide a lot of the "finish work" for the building. Local contractors have donated their services for the other work, including floors, counters, paint, heating, air conditioning and electrical.
The Department of Public Works will do the plumbing work and remove the wood siding from the building, stripping it down to its cement block walls.
A second story will be added to create a workspace for the marine offices, while also providing officers with a vantage point for overseeing the marina property.
Peck said the department hasn't approached any of those involved to make donations. "That was all through word of mouth," he said.
The project has received approval from both the Town Plan and Zoning Commission and the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Peck said the Ethics Commission found no problems with accepting donations from the community. "We can't actively solicit contributions," he said.
Without the donations, Kane estimated the new building would cost about $165,000 to $180,000.
The building's footprint will remain the same, although total square-footage will almost double to 1,500 square feet with the addition of a second floor.
The marine division has already moved its operations into a temporary trailer on the site to prepare for the construction work.