The Police Commission held its most recent meeting on October 6. Among the key items discussed was an update on the construction progress of the new police headquarters.

In speaking with The Newtown Bee the morning after the meeting, Police Chief James Viadero said his report on Tuesday noted that work on the new headquarters at 191 South Main Street “was close to 90 percent done. The work that needs to be completed is the IT infrastructure, furnishings, and some A/V and technical work for the building’s mechanicals.”

Commission Chair Joel Faxon said the construction on the new police headquarters is on schedule, if not a little ahead.

“We’re very pleased with the progress,” Faxon said, also speaking Wednesday morning. “It appears we’ll be in there maybe even a little ahead of schedule. The place looks great.”

The police commission chair said the certificate of occupancy (CO) should be in hand for 191 South Main Street by early November. Police Chief James Viadero, according to Faxon, plans to mobilize officers and most staff into the building “as soon as we can, after the CO is issued.”

Viadero on Wednesday said he also anticipates the CO to be available during the first week of November.

The Newtown Emergency Communications Center, or dispatch, will be the final entity to move out of the current police headquarters at 3 Main Street.

“I think the transition is probably easier for the police operations to get moved over there than the communications,” Faxon said October 7. “Communications is not jeopardized in any way by staying there until they can move in.”

A formal ribbon cutting, to which the public will be invited, will be scheduled, both men confirmed. The date has yet to be set.

Tuesday’s meeting was the second consecutive month in the Council Chamber of Newtown Municipal Center, with COVID-19 protocols in place. Unlike last month, when the commission was not joined by any members of the public, this time a few people attended in person.

Faxon said a few residents who live along Toddy Hill Road attended Tuesday’s meeting. Speeding on that road has long been a concern for those who live on or near the busy roadway. Those who attended Tuesday’s meeting “said they were pleased” with recent enforcement, Faxon said.

“We got some positive feedback, which we always enjoy,” he added.

Another resident, who addressed concerns about parking along a stretch of Riverside Road, was also in attendance, according to the commission chair.