Dayton commission approves $1.4 million purchase of downtown parcels for new police station

The Dayton City Commission on Wednesday approved emergency legislation to acquire two downtown parcels — 101 South Saint Clair Street and 118 East Fourth Street — for $1,400,000 as the preferred site for a new Central Business District police station.

The vote came after a lengthy presentation from Major Paul Saunders of the Dayton Police Department and more than an hour of public comment. The ordinance was declared an emergency and passed in a roll-call vote with Mayor Jeffrey J. Mims Jr., Commissioner Joseph and Commissioner Shaw recorded as voting aye and Commissioner Fairchild recorded as voting no; Commissioner Turner Sloss expressed support while urging the same urgency for neighborhood blight issues.

Major Paul Saunders, who led the department presentation, said the parcel selection followed a multi-year feasibility process and an evaluation of downtown options after the city found existing downtown structures could not meet modern building-code requirements for new public safety facilities. "This is probably gonna be the most one of the most pivotal impact projects I'm involved with," Saunders said, describing the site as "perfect" for downtown deployment and visibility.

Why it matters: city and business leaders said a visible police presence downtown helps deter crime and supports economic activity. Chris Kershner, president and CEO of the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce, told commissioners that downtown businesses have invested heavily and "a visible, consistent law enforcement presence will have a direct impact on improving safety." Supporters argued the location is two blocks from the Jefferson Street RTA hub and close to the Oregon District and Courthouse Square.

Opponents at public comment raised financial and preservation concerns. Resident Evan Lavoie said he "strongly oppose[d]" buying the sites for $1.4 million when, he said, the owner paid far less in prior years and owes delinquent taxes. Several speakers asked why the city would pay the owner rather than use existing tools such as foreclosure, tax remedies or the land bank; others urged saving the historic diner and powerhouse on the parcels. Commercial broker Joe Derkers called the emergency action "rushed" and urged more public time to consider alternatives.

City staff and the police department said urgency was driven by an active seller, previously stalled negotiations that resumed, and the risk of losing the opportunity if the city delayed. City Manager "Miss Dixing" (as identified in the meeting) told commissioners staff researched site constraints and that the city could not commit to a construction timeline until closing. Saunders said the city had set aside roughly $450,000 for demolition estimates and that acquiring title is the first step before design and community engagement for the building and site.

Key facts and next steps - Purchase price: $1,400,000 for 101 S. Saint Clair St. and 118 E. Fourth St. (emergency ordinance 32145-25). - Demolition: staff identified demolition funding estimates (about $450,000 set aside) and said bids will be solicited after acquisition and environmental review. - Funding: city staff said acquisition funds come from the 2024 General Fund capital allocation; construction funding and final design have not been identified and will be part of later budget processes. - Timeline: no construction schedule was established; Major Saunders and staff said the first step is acquisition, followed by design, community engagement and then procurement for construction.

Commissioners and staff emphasized that community engagement on design and operations will follow acquisition. Commissioner Turner Sloss said he would support the purchase on condition that the city apply the same urgency to long-standing neighborhood blight issues. Commissioners and the city manager also described ongoing recruitment and staffing efforts for the department: Saunders said West District construction is scheduled for completion in March 2026 and the department has academy classes underway.

The commission approved the emergency ordinance authorizing the purchase; staff will proceed with closing steps, title review and environmental due diligence before demolition or design work begins.