Providence Reporter

EAST PROVIDENCE, RI – The City of East Providence has continued its investment in the East Providence police station through a number of different improvements building upon a long list of upgrades to the station over the last four years.

Some of those major investments include a new roof and solar canopy, to name a few.

“Updates to the police station went unaddressed for years prior to my administration, but we have worked to change that over the last four years,” Mayor Bob DaSilva said. “Our administration has made it a priority to address the needs of all of our buildings and facilities throughout the city including the East Providence police station.”

The East Providence City Council approved an ordinance on May 16, 2023 to allocate $305,800 in unencumbered capital budget funds to the Police Department for the replacement of the station’s roof. The City entered into a contract with Patrick J. McKenna Roofing Inc., to replace the roof. The bid was awarded in April through a bidding process that was initiated in February requesting bids from qualified roofing contractors.

In addition, the City is working with Green Development LLC to add a solar canopy in the parking lot of the police station. The canopy, which will protect the police vehicles and police personal vehicles from the elements, will be erected behind the existing police station. With the addition of the canopy comes energy and budget savings.

The recent investments come on the heels of the city opening the East Providence Public Safety Communications Center, a state-of-the-art space funded by nearly $500,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The new center is equipped with the latest technology and communication systems, including advanced computer-aided dispatching and mapping software, a new phone system, cutting-edge radio equipment, and command console furniture.

The communications center’s move from the city’s police station, has created additional space that will be repurposed to accommodate police department needs. In addition, the City of East Providence is seeking services of highly qualified firms with expertise in conducting Police Department Renovation Analysis. The purpose and intent of the project is to produce a study of the current layout and determine how to maximize the existing space of the building as well as the space created by moving the communication center offsite.

“I am very pleased to see that the infrastructure needs of the police department are being addressed,” Chief Chris Francesconi said. “In addition to the roof replacement, we will be working with an architectural firm to assess the current and future needs of the building."

• Roof Replacement - $305,800
• HVAC replacement - $264,046
•  Parking lot expansion and upgrades to ensure the safety of personnel and security of property - $180,438
•  Men and Women’s Locker rooms - $146, 688
•  Access Controls - $45,294
•  Mobile Shelving System - $24,88

Original source can be found here.