Silverthorne needs a home for its new police station and locals have one request – do not build at Smith Ranch.
The town’s largest affordable neighborhood is one of three potential sites for the new PD headquarters, but locals have three reasons it should go somewhere else.
For Tanner, writing to town council, he was promised groceries.
“My understanding of the Smith Ranch master plan and the goal of the town was to solicit commercial interest, namely a grocery store,” Tanner’s letter says. “Many residents have been very excited and eagerly awaiting this progress.”
Others, including Laura, say police would add more traffic and noise to an already congested area.
“It is already a very busy area with access to nearby neighborhoods, gas station traffic and the church,” Laura writes. “Also, there is a concern for noise from sirens in the evening hours.”
Molly recommends stacking the PD station near the new Summit Fire and EMS station, now under construction by the elementary school.
“I think it makes more sense for it to be closer to the school,” Molly writes. “It is my opinion that it is already a congested area, and needing emergency vehicles to enter and exit in front of this neighborhood could cause a problem.”
The other two sites are on either side of the elementary school, one to the north, the other to the south.
Cost of the new PD headquarters is rising. Early estimates were $15 million. The latest estimate is $23 million, paid for in part by the town’s new, higher lodging tax.
Design starts this year for grand opening in 2027.