BRUNSWICK — Brunswick’s Town Council this week authorized borrowing up to $1,175,000 to buy land for a new police station.

The land and buildings, some of which are still occupied, are located at the corner of Stanwood and Pleasant streets. The town has secured options to acquire the properties.

Police Chief Richard J. Rizzo said having a modern police facility at the gateway to town will not only present a positive image, but should improve morale among his officers.

For years, the police department has been forced to operate out of a mostly windowless, cramped basement space under town hall. It has been called by some town officials a dungeon.

“It’s probably one of the worst police stations in the state,” Rizzo said.

The town examined the possibility of acquiring and renovating the former Times Record newspaper building on Industry Road, but decided it would be too costly.

The cost to build a new police station is still being looked at, but in June the Town Council appproved a five-year capital spending plan that includes $6.65 million to build a new station.