The new Herndon police station is moving closer to becoming a reality. The Herndon Planning Commission concluded Monday the proposed site on Herndon Parkway conforms with the town's comprehensive plan. In its meeting Nov. 25, the Town Council approved the authorization of the sale of $8.5 million of bonds, which will go toward the purchase and renovation of 397 Herndon Parkway for use as a police station.
The council is slated to take action on a resolution to approve the contract of sale of the property on Dec. 9. If approved, the town expects to go to settlement in February.
In making its recommendation, some planning commissioners expressed concern over the expense and appearance of government sprawl, however, the members said such issues were beyond the purview of the Planning Commission.
"Basically, it's a good thing to do. The other issues are for the Town Council," said Commissioner Jay Donahue. "As far as the comprehensive plan goes, I have no problem with it."
However, it may not be totally smooth sailing from here on out. Richard Kaufman, the town's attorney, informed the council at a work session Tuesday night, that the current zoning of the property does not allow for its use as a police station.
The proposed building is 59,628 square feet, more than double what the town has anticipated building, in two phases, at the station's current site on Sterling Road. The purchase price is $7.1 million and, with the needed renovations, the proposed station will cost about the same as the original plan to construct a new building.