New Facility for Police, Fire Departments OKd
The city Planning Commission has approved a $32-million facility for the police and fire departments as part of the Civic Center Master Plan, with construction expected to begin within 18 months.
The proposed building has been under review for the last 10 years. Although it has yet to gain the approval of the architectural review board and the California Coastal Commission, City Planning Director Suzanne Frick expects construction to begin in early 1999.
Frick called the existing police building “undersized and outdated” and said the new facility behind City Hall would be more secure against prisoner escapes. Frick also said it was just “luck” that the current facility was not damaged during the Northridge quake.
The new building will feature a public courtyard and fountains to help create “a very welcoming environment” for the Civic Center, she said.
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