Dalton Nears Police Station Site Decision: 3 Locations Finalized

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Tue, Mar 3th, 2026 by Berkshire Eagle
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Dalton Nears Crucial Decision on New Police Station Location

DALTTON - After an intensive eight-week evaluation, the Dalton Select Board's Police Station Site Selection Committee has narrowed down potential locations for a much-needed new police station to three finalists: 1111 Combined Street, 40 Pleasant Street, and 37 Highland Avenue. The recommendation, delivered Monday, marks a significant step forward in a project aimed at addressing the growing demands on Dalton's public safety resources and ensuring continued effective policing for a rapidly expanding population.

The current Dalton Police Station, while functional, is increasingly straining under the weight of a growing town. Space limitations hinder modern policing techniques, evidence storage is becoming problematic, and the existing facility lacks adequate room for expanding staff and necessary technology upgrades. The need for a new station has been a recurring theme in town hall meetings and budget discussions for several years, and this recent development signals a dedicated push towards resolution.

Committee Chairwoman Karen Mastroluca emphasized the thoroughness of the evaluation process. "We took into consideration all the factors and what was available and what would be best for the town moving forward," she stated. The committee didn't just look at immediate needs, but also projected future growth and the long-term requirements of the police department. The chosen sites were evaluated against a stringent set of criteria including size, geographical location within Dalton, visibility for public access and officer response times, and, crucially, overall cost - encompassing not just the land acquisition but also potential construction and associated infrastructure improvements.

"With the population of Dalton growing, we need a location that's centrally located and accessible," Mastroluca explained, highlighting the importance of a site that allows officers to efficiently serve all areas of town. A centrally located station reduces response times to emergencies, increasing public safety. Accessibility isn't solely about location, though; the committee also considered ease of access for citizens needing to file reports or conduct business with the police department.

The committee's work is far from over. While they have identified the three most viable options, the ultimate decision now rests with the Select Board. The board is tasked with undertaking a much more detailed cost analysis for each site. This will involve obtaining formal appraisals, securing preliminary construction bids, and identifying potential funding sources. Beyond the financial considerations, the Select Board will also need to carefully assess the impact each location will have on the surrounding community. Considerations will likely include traffic patterns, potential disruption during construction, and the overall aesthetic impact on the neighborhood.

The committee itself was a diverse group, bringing a range of perspectives to the table. Alongside Dalton Police Chief Robert Shaughnessy - ensuring the operational needs of the department were paramount - town residents Bobbi-Jo Fox, Richard Kennedy, and Robert Reidy contributed valuable community insights. Chief Shaughnessy's involvement was crucial in identifying the specific requirements of a modern police facility, from secure evidence storage to dedicated training spaces. Resident input helped to gauge public sentiment and potential concerns regarding each proposed location.

Each of the three shortlisted locations offers unique advantages and disadvantages. 1111 Combined Street is believed to be a larger parcel of land, potentially allowing for future expansion. 40 Pleasant Street may offer better visibility and accessibility due to its proximity to main thoroughfares. 37 Highland Avenue could present a more cost-effective option, but might require more extensive renovations or demolition of existing structures. Details regarding the current usage and zoning of each site remain under review.

The Select Board's next steps will likely include public hearings to allow residents to voice their opinions on the proposed locations. Transparency is key, and the board is expected to keep the public informed throughout the decision-making process. The timeline for a final decision remains unclear, but town officials are hoping to break ground on the new station within the next two years. This ambitious timeline will require efficient collaboration between the Select Board, the Police Department, and local contractors.