Police Station Proposed Expansion

Progress Update


December 16, 2021 - Groundbreaking Ceremony

October 18, 2021 - Town Hall/Police Department Expansion Construction Contract Approved.

October 18, 2021 - Resolution 1174-21 Authorizing the Issuance and Private Sale of an Infrastructure Bond Public Hearing Held and Resolution Approved.

September 20, 2021 - Resolution 1174-21 Authorizing the Issuance and Private Sale of an Infrastructure Bond Introduced and Received.

August 16, 2021 - Contract for Procurement and Construction Services Police Station and Town Hall Facility Approved.

May 17, 2021 - Fiscal Year 2022 Budget Passed, Including Funding for Expansion.

April 19, 2021 - Contract for Construction Drawings Police Station and Town Hall Facility Approved.

April 13, 2021 - Crabtree, Rohrbaugh & Associates - Architects Presentation and Animation.

October 19, 2020 - Contract for Design Development Police Station and Town Hall Facility Approved.

September 26, 2020 - Police Station Proposed Expansion and Town Hall Renovation Discussion Commissioners Retreat/Public Meeting.

July 14, 2020 - Crabtree, Rohrbaugh & Associates - Architects Presentation and Animation.

April 20, 2020 - Construction Advisor Contract for Police and Town Hall Expansion Approved.

January 4, 2020 - Police Station Proposed Expansion Open Discussion and Status Review Commissioners Retreat/Public Meeting.

October 7, 2019 - Police Department Expansion Architectural and Engineering Services Contract Approved.

July 15, 2019 - Resolution No. 1135-19 Police Station Proposed Expansion Feasibility Report Approved.

April 8, 2019 - Police Station Proposed Expansion Public Input Meeting.

Public Input Meeting

April 8, 2019 - 7:30 PM, at the Bel Air Armory, 37 N. Main Street, Bel Air, MD.

Background

For the past 13 years, the Town of Bel Air has explored options for a new public safety facility due to the age, size, and condition of the existing Police Station.

Bel Air Police Station Proposed Expansion PowerPoint Presentation

Bel Air Police Station Report 

BAPD (Small)

Process

In June 2017, a special work group was formed to oversee and manage the latest study as well as  provide regular updates to the Board of Town Commissioners.

The feasibility study scope of work included:

  • Existing Facility Survey
  • Comprehensive Needs Assessment
  • Development of Building Options

The BAPD researched other police facilities and personnel structures. A public open house was held on 8/13/18 and a survey was distributed to the citizens who visited. A public input meeting held was held at Town Hall on 11/27/18.

Structural & Functional Issues of Existing Police Facility

  • Water intrusion
  • Electrical infrastructure
  • Limited space for evidence processing and storage
  • Inadequate work spaces and offices
  • Not ADA compliant
  • Lacks safe and secure areas to transfer detainees into the arrest, processing, and holding areas
  • Undersized offices, squad room, training room, armory and weapons cleaning area
  • Outdated security equipment, monitoring devices and access control
  • Inefficient mechanical infrastructure, including HVAC and electrical systems

Negative Impacts on Delivery of Police Services

  • Existing police facility can not meet law enforcement accreditation standards
  • Negative influence on Community Oriented Policing philosophy
  • Impaired ability to deliver mission-critical services
  • Compromised safety for officers and employees
  • Weakened protections for visitors, citizens, and detainees
  • Negative impact on recruitment & retention of department employees
  • Low morale as it relates to the working environment

Work Group Recommendation for Proposed Police Facility

Architectural Drawings & Floor Plans

Proposed Project Specifications

Projected Space Needs for New Facility

  • 19,080 sf addition to Town Hall

Recommended Improvements to Existing Facility

  • 7,128 sf improvements to existing Police facility
  • 5,190 sf improvements to Town Hall
  • Includes space for IT department
  • Includes space for future growth

Estimated Project Cost

  • $10.2 M

Financing the Proposed Project

  • Estimated Annual Debt Service 
  • Assumes 30 years at 4% interest, plus 2.5% issuance cost
  • Total Cost: $10.2M
  • Estimated Annual Debt Service: $596,000

Tax Discussion

The estimated tax increase(s) listed below are for discussion purposes only.  Nothing has been decided as of today.  As a result, citizen feedback is encouraged.  See contact information at the bottom of the page.

Estimated Tax Implications Chart Graphic

Next Steps

Solicit Additional Public Input – Town of Bel Air residents and businesses are encouraged to attend the following meeting to provide input on the proposed Bel Air Police facility:

Public Input Meeting:

April 8, 2019 - 7:30 PM, at the Bel Air Armory, 37 N. Main Street, Bel Air, MD.

If individuals are unable to attend the Public Input Meeting, they may also provide public comment at a Board of Town Commissioners Town Hall Public Meeting.

Town Board Meeting Schedule:

  • March 4, 2019 at 7:30 PM
  • March 18, 2019 at 7:30 PM
  • April 1, 2019 at 7:30 PM

Town Hall Rotunda, Town Hall, 39 N. Hickory Avenue, Bel Air, MD.

Provide Feedback & Additional Information

The Town of Bel Air would greatly appreciate feedback from town property owners, either in favor of or in opposition to this project.  Your opinion matters greatly to us.  We hope to receive messages that explain your thoughts and feelings regarding this project and how you feel it will impact you and your neighborhood and community, as a property owner, citizen, and tax payer in the Town of Bel Air.

For example, considering the Town of Bel Air has not raised the property tax rate in fifteen (15) years, do you think this is an appropriate reason to do so?  If yes, why?  If no, why?

To provide feedback or ask questions, express concerns or request additional information,  please contact:

Kevin Small, Director of Planning/Project Manager

Please include your name, town address, phone number, and email address in any correspondence so that the Town of Bel Air may respond appropriately.