St. Helens Council reviews police station site selection in public forum

The St. Helens City Council convened on May 7, 2025, to discuss the proposed site for a new police station, a topic that has garnered significant attention from residents. The meeting began with a disclosure of a potential conflict of interest from the mayor, who assured attendees of her objectivity despite her husband's role as a police officer.

The highlight of the forum was a presentation by David Lentz, the project manager overseeing the police station's construction. Lentz detailed the site selection process, which has seen various proposed locations due to previous challenges, including issues related to water and floodplain concerns. The council had previously considered a site on Castro Road but decided to explore alternatives after appeals were made against that location.

Lentz explained that the council evaluated multiple sites, including the Gable Road site, using a set of criteria to determine the most suitable option. Each council member rated the sites based on these criteria, resulting in a score of 288 points for the proposed site at 1771 Columbia and 202 points for the Gable Road site. This scoring system aims to ensure transparency and community involvement in the decision-making process.

Following the presentation, residents were invited to share their thoughts and questions, with each person allotted three minutes to speak. This format encourages public engagement and allows community members to voice their opinions on the police station's location, a decision that will impact local safety and resources.

As the city moves forward with this project, the council's commitment to involving residents in discussions about public safety infrastructure remains a priority. The next steps will involve further community feedback and finalizing the site selection, ensuring that the new police station meets the needs of St. Helens residents effectively.