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Staff presents public‑engagement plan for former police‑department site; community favors public, programmed open space
Summary
A staff presentation of community survey and workshop results found strong public preference to keep the former police‑department site in public hands as a programmed open space with features such as public restrooms, a market/plaza and flexible gathering spaces; council discussed funding, parking tradeoffs and possible park‑district partnership.
City staff presented the results of community engagement and a feasibility study for the former police‑department site north of city hall. The engagement included two online surveys (each ~750 responses) and two in‑person workshops. Participants overwhelmingly favored public ownership and "programmed" open space — that is, park space designed specifically to host markets, performances and recurring activities rather than general green space.
Staff noted the site is under two acres (similar to Lincoln Park's footprint) and said keeping the existing building or maintaining the parking lot would materially change how much open space could be programmed. Top priorities in the survey were year‑round usability and public restrooms; plaza/market space, a band shell and small‑shop concepts ranked highly as well. Mixed views emerged about reusing part of the existing structure: residents were open to reuse if a clear public purpose (visitor amenities, classrooms, community space, small restaurant) was identified.
Council members discussed funding and long‑term maintenance, the possibility of an intergovernmental agreement with the park district, and the trade‑offs between retaining surface parking and maximizing public amenity area. Staff said grants would be more competitive once the city has an approved site concept, and mentioned that a parking deck was technically possible but would be expensive. Staff sought direction on whether to proceed toward a programmed‑open‑space approach and to explore formal park‑district partnership options.
Next steps: staff will prepare more detailed cost estimates and partner outreach options if council affirms programmed open space as the preferred direction.
