Planning for the Future: A New Municipal Complex for East Fallowfield Township
Why a New Municipal Building?
East Fallowfield Township has been exploring the need for a modern police station and administrative complex for many years. Currently, the police department operates out of a small, outdated one-story home that was converted into a police station. The administrative offices are located in a small space attached to the public works garage. While both buildings have served the Township well over the years, they no longer meet the operational, technological, or safety requirements of modern local government or law enforcement.
In 2022, the Township conducted a comprehensive assessment of the police department funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). The report identified several critical deficiencies, including:
- No holding cell
- No secure lobby separating staff from the public
- No secure evidence storage room
The DCED report concluded that the lack of adequate space was a significant limiting factor for the department’s operations.
A new municipal facility will allow the Township to:
- Provide a "one-stop shop" for municipal services by housing the police and administrative offices under one roof
- Operate a secure, modern police station that enhances public safety and operational efficiency
- Create a dedicated, ADA-accessible public meeting space suitable for community events and public hearings
Project Progress & Timeline
Land Purchase Completed (January 2023)
The Township purchased a 10.9-acre parcel on Wilmington Road in January 2023 for $257,000. This centrally located property is the proposed site for the future municipal complex. The purchase was funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) with no impact on the Township’s general budget.
Feasibility Study Completed (January 2025)
The Township hired Heckendorn Shiles Architects in 2024 to complete a feasibility study evaluating the proposed site and long-term facility needs. The feasibility study process was conducted through multiple public meetings and was presented to the Board of Supervisors in January 2025. The study included:
- A proposed site plan and floor plan
- A schematic architectural rendering
- A project schedule and preliminary cost estimate
- A proposed construction budget of approximately $7.9 million
📄 Click Here to view the full Feasibility Study
Funding and Design Phase (Underway)
The Township’s Municipal Building Committee is actively reviewing construction cost estimates, long-term financing strategies, and grant opportunities. The committee recently recommended retaining Heckendorn Shiles Architects to move the project into the architectural and engineering design phase. This phase, which is grant-funded, will provide a more detailed design and help refine construction cost estimates. The Township is currently completing technical and administrative steps required by the grant program before initiating the design work.
Funding & Fiscal Responsibility
East Fallowfield Township is committed to completing this project responsibly and with minimal impact to taxpayers. We are pleased to share that the Township has already secured two significant state and federal grants:
- $555,000 Community Project Funding Grant (for planning, architecture, and design)
- $1,000,000 Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) Grant (for land development and construction activities)
These grant awards will help offset design and construction costs and reduce the Township’s financial burden.
Looking Ahead
As the project moves into the design phase, the Township will continue to pursue additional funding opportunities and grants. Just as importantly, we remain committed to transparency and public involvement throughout this process.
Your continued input and participation are vital to shaping a facility that reflects the priorities and needs of East Fallowfield residents. We look forward to sharing continued updates and encourage all residents to stay informed through public meetings and the Township website.
Click Here to Access Building Project Documents
