Carmel council orders short-term security fixes, commissions 60‑day needs review for police and public works facility

CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA, Calif. — The Carmel-by-the-Sea City Council on March 27 directed staff to proceed with a set of near-term safety and security improvements at the police and public works building and asked for a fast, 60‑day program needs review to guide any larger remodel or rebuild.

City staff and the project architect presented a downsized concept for a combined police and public works facility on the existing Unipero/Torres Street site and described a range of program options, site constraints and cost drivers. Architect Mr. Hammond said the building as programmed would be substantially larger than the current footprint but that the team had reduced the proposed plan and “we get a 22% reduction in our building areas.”

The council’s direction followed a presentation by Police Chief Tomasi and the architect outlining operational needs and short-term fixes. Chief Tomasi recommended about $215,000 to $240,000 in targeted safety and security work that staff can implement quickly, including new secure doors, a lobby interview room, upgraded evidence storage and processing ventilation, and a rolling gate for the rear lot. “We’re…