Commission clears demolition at 232 S. Meridian for city redevelopment, including police headquarters

The Historic Preservation Commission approved a certificate of appropriateness allowing the demolition of the residence at 232 South Meridian Street. Derek, the staff presenter, said the city is acquiring the property and surrounding parcels to assemble a site for a municipal complex that will include the Lebanon Police Department headquarters; he said the city's closing on the purchase was scheduled for 07/29/2026 and demolition was anticipated the week of 08/10/2026. Derek told the commission that retention of the structure would significantly affect the project's economic feasibility.

Ben Bontrager of the planning office described the site‑selection process, saying the city evaluated many options and that the chosen downtown location supports community policing and connectivity. "Once we're able to really start putting those puzzle pieces together, this site made the most sense," Ben said. Commissioners were told that the design of any new police facility will return to the commission for additional COAs and that asbestos abatement and demolition will be managed by licensed contractors. A motion to approve the demolition COA was made and seconded and the chair declared the motion approved; the transcript records verbal affirmations but does not include a full roll‑call tally.