Council committee approves purchase of 7220 West National Ave amid questions over use

The Economic and Development Committee voted to approve a resolution to purchase real estate at 7220 West National Ave after members debated potential uses for the building and its fit for city services.

Committee members opened discussion by noting the property was identified by the city’s architect and that its layout could accommodate several possible uses, including relocation of some health department services or partial use as a senior center. Staff said tenant improvements to accommodate the health department would be "relatively not difficult" and emphasized the acquisition price was attractive, framing the purchase as an opportunity to secure a building that could be adapted for multiple municipal functions or partially leased if space exceeded needs.

Council members pressed on operational questions — whether the space could be divided into units, what would happen to excess space, and whether the senior center or health department should be prioritized. Staff recommended preserving flexibility in the acquisition so the city can determine the building’s eventual specific programmatic use after purchase and design analysis.

A motion to approve the resolution was made and seconded; the chair called for a voice vote. Committee members responded “aye,” and one opposed voice was recorded as "Don Shabbat." The transcript records a motion and a recorded opposition but does not provide a full yea/nay roll call in the text.

Next steps: the committee approved the resolution and discussion indicated staff will move forward with transactional steps while returning with details about specific tenant improvements and how any excess space would be managed.