Police station construction advances; staff says former station site likely library site and evaluation committee has narrowed proposals

Williamsburg staff reported progress on the new police station and associated public works storage yard work and said the city is evaluating proposals to redevelop the former police station block, likely for a relocated library.

Andrew Trivette said construction of the new police station on Lafayette Street is underway and that the public works storage yard relocation and renovation are tied to that project. He told the Planning Commission that once the police station is complete, the existing police facility will be demolished and the cleared block will likely be the site for a new library.

Trivette said the city received three proposals for redevelopment of the block; an evaluation committee has narrowed the submissions to one proposer and the committee expects that proposer to present updated plans to staff and elected officials “this week or next.” He said the committee is reviewing placement options on the block to determine whether the library should sit at the corner, the middle of the block, or adjacent to the Stryker Center to create a direct connection.

No formal land‑use approvals or council decisions were made during the work session. Trivette said site-plan review and ARB approvals will be required before interim design costs are finalized for projects tied to the block and for any live performance venue concepts that have been in analysis.

Commissioners requested clearer line items in the CIP for ongoing work, including distinguishing finishing funds for a fire station project from renovation funds in the listing.