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Council approves proceeding on proposed 6,500‑sq‑ft police station after debate over costs and alternatives
Summary
After debate about renovating existing offices versus building new, the council voted to proceed with a proposed new ~6,500 sq ft police facility at 45 East Church Street, an estimated $2.1 million project. Councilmembers discussed a potential $1 million grant that would substantially lower the city’s share and questioned long‑term maintenance and reuse of current city buildings.
The Lock Haven City Council voted to proceed with a proposal to construct a new police facility at 45 East Church Street, a parking‑lot site across from City Hall. City staff presented a conceptual 6,500‑square‑foot building with a high‑end estimate of about $2,100,000 (using a planning figure of $325 per square foot). Staff said the city is in a position to pursue a grant that could provide up to $1 million toward construction, reducing the local share to approximately $1.1 million if awarded.
Councilmembers debated the proposal’s merits and alternatives. One councilmember asked how the cost to renovate and relocate police offices within the existing building compared; staff referenced an earlier estimate of $1.6–$1.8 million to bring the department into existing space but noted insufficient borrowing capacity would remain to address HVAC and other building issues. Other members argued that moving the department across the street could produce a more attractive and functional workplace and that pursuing the available grant represented a strong opportunity.
Opponents cautioned that the plan continues a pattern of deferred maintenance on the current municipal building and that creating a new separate building further disperses city services. The motion to proceed was moved and seconded and the council recorded votes with several members in favor and at least two opposed.
Council directed staff to continue pursuing grant funding and to include a facility study through DCED that would examine the library and possible space reuses as part of broader facility planning.
