Bedford’s safety complex is crowded. About 90 town employees with the police, fire and public works departments are sharing the same building at 55 Constitution Drive.

Originally built as an insurance office in 1982, the complex has a footprint of about 30,000 square feet, which is simply not enough space for that much staff and equipment, according to town consultants.

The cramped conditions lead to detainees getting escorted through sensitive areas, and can leave police evidence and firefighting protective gear open to contamination. Officials say it poses safety and liability concerns.

These issues still need to be addressed, but Bedford officials need to come up with a solution that the community can support. Voters have rejected the town’s proposals to build new fire stations two y

See Full Page