Study says best use for Swampscott temple is cop shop

SWAMPSCOTT – A police station is the best use for the former Temple Israel property, according to a study committee.In its recent report, The Temple Israel Study Committee concludes renovation of the building is feasible and cost effective.”The best use for the building is police department headquarters, the space requirements of which fit efficiently in the lower level of the facility,” the report reads. “The upper floor levels have the benefit of additional usable space for a community center or cultural arts center or other approved town uses.”According to the report, it would cost $7.38 million to build a new police station at the town pumping station site and it would cost $2.94 million to retrofit the temple property to house a police station.Police Chief Ronald Madigan, who is an ex officio member of the committee, pointed out it would cost $1.5 million to make repairs to the existing station and it would cost another $800,000 to refurbish the calls, which are sorely outdated.”Renovating the existing station won’t solve the space problem,” he said. “It would also not get the cells out of the basement. In my opinion locating a police station in the temple is our best option.”According to the report, the committee is recommending the police department occupy 15,225 square feet on the lower level of the building. That space would include a sally port, booking area, detention center with three cells, evidence armory, public bathrooms and interrogation rooms. The facility would also house male and female shower rooms, locker rooms, break room, an interview room, physical training facilities and a dispatch area.According to the report, the mezzanine area and upper level of the facility, which encompasses more than $20,180 square feet of usable space, is a vital town asset and it has a myriad of possibilities for reuse including a community/cultural arts center.”The former sanctuary creates an automatic auditorium with versatile uses from large meetings, lectures, theatrical performances to movie screenings,” the report read. “The balance of the upper level leaves opportunity for office areas, conference rooms, lavatories and a controlled lobby that can direct internal circulation.”According to the report, the police department and proposed community center would have separate entrances.”Young people and adults may use the building without conflict or interference with the conduct of police business,” the report states. “The police presence provides an added benefit of inherent security.”