Norwich — The city is planning its next move after voters on Tuesday narrowly rejected a $55 million plan to create a new police headquarters. The city had proposed to renovate the former Chelsea Groton Bank building at 300 Main St. but voters rejected then plan 4,838-4,607. Residents here have now rejected a plan for a new police station on three occasions, in 2012, 2023 and 2026. The cost of the project increased with each vote, going from $33 million in 2012 to $44 million in 2023, and then $55 million on Tuesday. The difference this time is the city purchased the bank in 2024 for $800,000 with plans to renovate and expand it into a police station. Police Chief Patrick Daley said Wednesday afternoon that while the plan is to put the new headquarters in the bank building, the city would consider its options. “It was a very close vote, I think one percent or so difference,” he said. “But that’s the second time we’ve been within one percent. So, obviously we need to look at our messaging and see where we came up short. The need’s real. It’s not going away. And prices aren’t going to get cheaper. So, we have to look at what we can do differently.”
Norwich considers next move after voters again reject police station project
