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Atkinson committee outlines $2.5 million Phase 1 plan for police station and DPW; residents raise cost and outreach concerns
Summary
Atkinson officials presented Phase 1 of a police station and DPW redevelopment project with a Phase 1 budget of $2,500,570 and an estimated first-year tax impact of $0.14; residents questioned the site choice, timeline and public engagement during a Jan. 15 public hearing.
Brian Boyle, chair of the Police Station Committee, presented a Phase 1 proposal for the Town of Atkinson’s Police Station and Department of Public Works (DPW) redevelopment at a public hearing on Jan. 15, laying out $2,500,570 in Phase 1 costs and a multi-year timeline to prepare the site for a future police station.
The Phase 1 package, Boyle said, covers site development ($475,570), a new DPW garage and salt barn ($1,675,000), demolition of the existing garage ($40,000), relocation of the brush dump ($10,000), miscellaneous expenses ($50,000) and $250,000 for police-station design plans. "Phase 1 funds design and planning," Boyle said, and the committee told the board that final Phase 2 costs will depend on the eventual design and RFP, with an intention to reduce size and cost where feasible.
Town Administrator John Apple opened the hearing, citing RSA 33.8AI and 40.13 IIa before the committee’s presentation. The board voted to open the public hearing by voice vote (motion by Selectman Wendy Barker; seconded by Selectman Bill Friel). Earlier in the meeting the board voted 3–0 to accept Selectman Peter Torosian attending by phone (motion by Selectman Bill Friel; seconded by Selectman Wendy Barker).
On projected tax effects, the committee estimated the first bond payment would be due in 2027 and projected a first-year tax impact of $0.14, falling to $0.13 in the second year and declining about 2 percent each year thereafter; presenters noted a library bond principal payment of $85,000 will end in 2027, which the committee said will reduce net tax pressure.
During questions and public comment, multiple residents and stakeholders pressed the committee on outreach, cost and site choice. Kate Rochford reminded the board of the history of the current police station building; Karen Steele asked whether the new police station location was appropriate; Karen Tasati asked whether the station could be built for less. Resident Bob Archambault said he was concerned about the pace of the process and how long it is taking, and Kathleen Costigan raised questions about the meeting timing and marketing to the public. Charlie George cautioned there was "too much" misinformation circulating, and Kay Galloway urged the board to give the committee a chance. Committee member Steve Lewis explained the preparation and research the committee had undertaken, and Ed Stewart recommended hiring a marketing service to improve outreach. Linda Jette thanked the committee and expressed support for the proposal.
No formal town vote on Warrant Article 2026-02 occurred at the hearing; the public hearing was closed at 5:36 p.m. after a motion by Selectman Bill Friel, seconded by Selectman Wendy Barker, with a roll-call result recorded as three in favor. The board’s minutes were submitted by Lena M. Bistany-Nye.
What happens next: the committee intends to complete Phase 1 site and DPW designs and use the Phase 1 work to refine cost estimates for Phase 2 (the police station), after which the town would proceed with any required RFPs and further public notices.
