Episode Three: The Police Station Renovation

In this episode of Public Comment: North Smithfield, hosts Elizabeth Hammond and Sarah LaFontaine take a deep dive into the decade-long saga of the North Smithfield police station renovation. From the 2014 bond and the failed 2023 ballot measure to the $9 million bond approved by voters in 2026, they break down every major decision, misstep, and milestone along the way.

Learn why the Bushey School building — built in 1929 and converted into the town's police station — has deteriorated to the point of being nearly uninsurable, what structural issues like asbestos, crumbling brick, and exposed wiring mean for officers and residents, and why the debate over "police station" vs. "public safety complex" matters more than it might seem.

This episode also covers lessons in municipal transparency, proactive infrastructure planning, and how North Smithfield residents can participate in the public comment process before renovation decisions are finalized.