Capital project at Crescent Beach: License readers, cameras on tap

Following last week’s Capital Planning/Grants Committee meeting, there were several requests for funds, but only one has risen to the top, Supervisor Amber Brach-Williams told her colleagues Tuesday morning: license plate readers and cameras that would be installed at Crescent Beach.

They already exist at both ferry sites, Police Chief Jim Read said. They are excellent tools for crime fighting, but also for helping to track missing persons, he said. During summer months, Crescent Beach is one of the busiest areas on the Island, Chief Read added, explaining the choice of the site for additional readers and cameras.

For many years, the chief has been hoping to obtain grant money or finding another method of paying for the equipment, he said. This is the first time the request has risen to the top of the list.

In recent years, the Town has been providing $50,000 per year to upgrade police radios. The supervisor estimated the amount needed would be $80,000 in the next operating budget. But money could also come, at least in part, from pending grant applications. 

As for other projects the committee considered, Ms. Brach-Williams said two could benefit from Waterways Management Advisory Council (WMAC) money. A Congdon Road ramp anticipated to cost $150,000 and a new work boat for marine use, estimated to cost $300,000, are likely to be projects for which WMAC money would be used, she said. But it’s necessary to build up the WMAC funds so the projects could possibly be undertaken in 2028.

Another project considered — a new vehicle to transport seniors to medical appointments and shopping — is to be paid for with $20,000 from the Lions Club, $5,000 from the Town general fund, and $5,000 from the Senior Citizens Foundation.

Another project is also for Police Department members — body-worn cameras expected to cost $250,000 over a five-year period. There are pending grant applications that could cover costs but otherwise, the request would be considered at $50,000 a year from the operating budget.

Two other projects are seen as operating expenses, Ms. Brach-Williams said. The first is AI training for Building Department staff members. The other is software for Human Resources use.