Hamden Finally Has a New Police HQ

Hamden Police Department moves to new home By Ann DeMatteo, Register Staff adematteo@nhregister.com / Twitter: @annddematteo HAMDEN — While the Police Department moves into its new digs, the Legislative Council is getting ready to approve another contract for Diggs Construction. Police Chief Thomas J. Wydra told the Legislative Council Monday night that central communications and 911 were moved to the new police station during the day. Detectives also moved in. Wydra later credited Utility Communications and AT&T for “fine work” in Monday’s transition, as well as to the New Haven Police Department for handling the town’s 911 calls. “Ninety percent of the property is moved in from the old buildings. The rest will happen over the next two days,” the chief said later. He said all will be in the new building by Thursday. For the last 2½ years, the old Memorial Town Hall at Dixwell and Whitney avenues has been under construction, with the adjacent Fire Department space being renovated, and the new police station added to the newly renovated 1924 structure. It is expected the Fire Department will move in next month. The council’s Planning and Development Committee Monday night approved an agreement to keep Diggs Construction of Hartford as the town’s construction consultant and owner’s representative for the remainder of the renovation. The company already has been paid about $160,000 and will be paid just under $300,000 through the rest of the project, said Curt Leng, chief administrative officer. The money will come from the $40 million project allocation, which hasn’t exceeded its bonding limit, Leng said. Diggs serves as a liaison between the Town Building Committee, the administration and A.P. Construction of Stamford, which is the construction manager and adviser. “If we didn’t have the assistance of Diggs on this project, there’s no way the Police Department would have moved in this week. Their services have been exemplary,” especially in terms of developing an accurate construction schedule, Leng said. The Police Department received a temporary occupancy permit Friday from the Building Department, Leng said.