Newtown Township Public Safety Facilities Plan
Executive Summary
Newtown Township is currently engaged in a multi-year effort to address critical infrastructure deficiencies within its Police and Fire Departments. Analysis of township records and official communications reveals that both departments are operating out of facilities that are outdated, undersized, and potentially hazardous to personnel.
Key findings include:
- Police Department: The current headquarters, a repurposed municipal building from 1988, lacks necessary security features, interview spaces, and modern infrastructure. A $14,680 study by KCBA was commissioned in 2023 to evaluate renovation versus new construction.
- Fire Department: Station 55 faces severe health and safety issues, specifically regarding the lack of decontamination zones and the presence of noxious fumes. A $25,000 study by Gorski Engineering was approved in May 2025 to plan a new facility.
- Strategic Needs: Both departments require modernized spaces to accommodate staff growth, career paid firefighting shifts, and specialized equipment storage.
- Public and Political Climate: While the Board of Supervisors has moved forward with studies, there is internal debate regarding the timing and cost of these projects, alongside vocal public concern regarding tax expenditures and infrastructure priorities.
Listen to this Deep Dive podcast:
Analysis of Police Facility Requirements
Current Facility Deficiencies
The Newtown Township Police Department currently operates out of a 35-year-old building, constructed in 1988, that was originally designed for municipal administration and utility offices. The facility was not intended for law enforcement use and has several documented failings:
- Structural and Systems Decay: Major components, including the HVAC system, roof, and windows, are at the end of their functional lifespan.
- Safety and Security: The current floor plan creates significant issues regarding security, prisoner processing, and fire escapes. One portion of the facility is reportedly over 70 years old, lacking functioning restrooms or air conditioning, and has been deemed hazardous by insurance providers.
- Inadequate Workspace: Supervisor Elen Snyder characterized the environment as “more suited for teaching preschoolers,” noting that detectives often work in “boxes” that cannot accommodate full-team meetings or private interviews.
2023 Facility Study
In July 2023, the township moved to award a contract for a “Police Department Renovation or Replacement Analysis.”
- Vendor Selection: Following a Request for Proposal, KCBA was recommended for the project with a fixed fee of $14,680, significantly lower than the competing bid of $24,500.
- Scope of Work: The study was designed to evaluate space programming for the next 30 years, including requirements for evidence storage, crime scene processing, IT, armor, and specialized vehicle parking, including DC fast charging for electric patrol cars.
Analysis of Fire Department Infrastructure
Health and Occupational Hazards
The primary driver for a new fire station is the health of personnel at Station 55. Supervisor Snyder emphasized that the current environment is a “matter of life and death” due to the following:
- Carcinogen Exposure: The station lacks a separation between “hot” and “cold” zones. Firefighters are exposed to noxious fumes and engine exhaust in living quarters, which are linked to cancer and heart disease.
- Lack of Decontamination: There is currently no specialized area for firefighters to strip and clean gear of carcinogens immediately upon returning from calls.
Operational Shifts and Growth
The Fire Department is transitioning from a volunteer-centric model to a career department, necessitating 24/7 living accommodations.
- Staffing Needs: New facilities must include overnight quarters, kitchens, and eating areas for paid staff.
- Equipment: The township plans to purchase two new engines, requiring modernized bays and storage.
2025 Planning and Budgeting
In May 2025, the Board of Supervisors approved a $25,000 proposal from Gorski Engineering for a fire building study.
- Deliverables: Gorski is tasked with site analysis, 3-D modeling, and providing a trade-by-trade cost breakdown for both design and construction.
- Budget Discrepancy: The 2025 budget originally allocated $20,000 for this study, resulting in a $5,000 overage that was approved by the Board of Supervisors in a 5-0 vote.
Site Selection and Strategic Positioning
Proposed Locations
The township is evaluating several sites for the relocation or construction of these facilities:
- Chandler Ball Field: Suggested by the Fire Chief as a potential location for the fire station.
- Toll Bros Land, 99 Acres: Proposed as a relocation site for the ball field if Chandler Field is used as the new firehouse site.
- “Sycamore Street Area”: A 2018 Fire Study recommended this area to improve response times to the borough and township. Possible sites include parking lot owned by First National Bank across from the Old Church of Saint Andrew and Chandler Field as cited above.
- Existing Municipal Complex: The township has acquired additional land within the current 100 Municipal Drive site for potential police expansion.
Site Ranking Criteria
Consultants are required to rank sites based on:
- Suitability for orderly call response.
- Public access and acreage for 30-year expansion.
- Ease of utility integration, including plumbing, electrical, and sprinkler systems.
Challenges and Considerations
Financial and Political Opposition
The push for new facilities has met with resistance from both board members and the public:
- Internal Oversight: Supervisor John Mack questioned the necessity of high-cost study deliverables, such as 3-D models, and suggested tabling decisions until a new Board is convened in 2026.
- Public Sentiment: Community feedback reflects concerns over “spending with no thought of its impact on everyday citizens.” Critics have called for prioritizing road resurfacing and pothole repair over new buildings, with some characterizing the study fees as excessive.
Summary of Requirements for New Construction
| Feature | Police Department Needs | Fire Department Needs |
|---|---|---|
| Security | Secure employee/fleet parking; CCTV; sallyport | Secure access; “hot/cold” zone separation |
| Specialized Space | Evidence processing; armory; interview rooms | Decontamination laundry; training rooms |
| Staff Facilities | Locker rooms; workout room | Sleeping quarters; kitchen/dining |
| Infrastructure | Emergency power; IT/server rooms | Specialized HVAC for exhaust removal |
| Technology | Live Scan; video arraignment; EV charging | 3-D modeling for response flow |
Connect With Us