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City officials weigh options as old police facility sinks; police relocation and community-center reuse discussed
Summary
City staff reported that the former police station has sustained foundation damage and is sinking; officials outlined efforts to evaluate repair costs, pursue purchase of alternative sites for a new police facility, and reuse space at the community center once the department relocates.
A city staff member told the Newport City Council that the old police department building has continued to sink and that a recent inspection found “substantial damage due to the foundation shifting and sinking.” The staff member said the city does not yet have a cost estimate for stabilizing or repairing the building and that an appraisal of the building’s pre-event value is still pending.
The staff member said contractors and inspectors were slow to respond over the holidays but that evaluations resumed after the new year. “It is our goal to save the building, but, based on this last report, it put a little bit more doubt in play on whether or not that's gonna be feasible,” the staff member said.
While the fate of the old building remains uncertain, city officials said they have been approaching property owners about purchasing a site to build a new police facility. The staff member said one property has been ruled out for cost reasons, two others have been asked for offers, and a fourth property identified by Chief Lamb is “for sale” though at a price the city considers high.
Separately, staff asked the council to approve contracting Canopy Design to complete designs for White Oak Park, Woodland Park and a 10-year parks master plan and to provide additional services, including design assistance for renovating facilities at the community center once the police department vacates that space. A city presenter told the council that the contracts are budgeted and that about 64% of the previously budgeted design funds had been spent; the new firm would complete the remaining work.
Council members asked staff to continue property negotiations and to bring back costs and recommended sites once appraisals and offers are clearer. No final decision on repairing the old police building or approving a property purchase was recorded at the meeting.
The city will also consider renovation plans for the community center space in future agenda items if and when a police relocation is finalized.
