Easton residents vote in favor of new facilities for police, fire, public works

EASTON, Mass. (WLNE) — Easton residents voted Monday night to push a project forward that would consolidate 17 facilities in to three new ones, including the Public Works Department, Fire Department, and Police Departments.

The results came after a roughly three-hour-long special town meeting at Oliver Ames High School.

During the meeting, voters approved the appropriation of funds for the project, which will cost an estimated $150 million.

The project would create a Public Safety Complex on Depot Street that would host both Easton Police and Easton firefighters. There would also be a new Public Works Complex at the same site and a new fire substation at Washington and Main Streets.

According to Police Chief Keith Boone and Fire Chief Justin Alexander, the current facilities are outdated. Both the police and fire departments were built back in 1969.

Officials specifically sight an extreme lack of space and safety hazards as the main reasons for new facilities.

Hundreds of taxpayers arrived in full force to Monday’s meeting to share their opinions and vote.

During a secret ballot vote, 370 people voted to push the project forward, while 118 voted against it.

Easton residents were divided and discussed how the project would affect their pockets, costing the median taxpayer an extra $60 per month.

Residents still have to vote on November 4 on whether to fund the approved amount for the project. If voters approve the Nov. 4 vote, the project will officially move forward.

Town Administrator Connor Read said construction of the new facilities could start as soon as early 2025.

To see a breakdown of the entire project, go to eastonpsw.com.