The City of Syracuse appears ready to move forward with a plan to relocate public safety headquarters from its downtown location to the Near West Side. The new space in a former factory would allow the department to modernize operations and improve public access.
Commissioner of Assessment Matt Oja says deterioration of 60-year-old, six story building on South State Street has accelerated, and recent renovations uncovered the need for mitigation of asbestos and other contaminants.
“We're just no longer to the point where PSB is viable," Oja said. "It's functionally obsolete. It's nearing the end of its physical economic life. And so I think we need to do right as we are by other city departments, getting these departments into modern appropriate office space.”
The vacant, six story building on West Fayette and Geddes Streets would have enough space to combine the police department’s downtown operations with the patrol division’s facility on Erie Boulevard East. Both properties would eventually be sold. Police Chief Joe Cecile says being adjacent to the Public Service Academy at Fowler is one of many advantages. The school prepares students to be future police officers and firefighters.
“I think we have to look at the benefits of moving into a neighborhood, especially neighborhood like the west end, which has its challenges," Cecile said. "Just the idea of merely having patrol cars come and go to this this office on a regular basis 24 hours a day, seven days a week I believe can change those challenges in that neighborhood.”
Cecile says the new location would also be more accessible to the public than the current, crumbling headquarters.
“It's come to its end and we struggle every day with trying to find space, find parking," Cecile said. "I think this will be more accessible as some people have mentioned. If you come down to the PSB, if you're not walking, you're not going to probably find a spot. You're going to drive around trying to find a spot to park.”
The city is partnering with a developer who will spend $25 to $30 million to renovate the vacant six-story factory. It could be ready for occupancy in late 2025. Assessment Commissioner Oja says this arrangement could be beneficial.
“Not only are we partnering with the developer who has experience in this type of work, but as private entity, he's able to leverage historic tax credits in a way that as a municipality we wouldn't," Oja said. "There are significant cost savings to be realized by renting from a party who's accustomed to doing this kind of work.”
Common councilors are expected to vote on a 19-year, $40 million lease agreement at their December 18th meeting. City officials say it would cost about the same to renovate the existing PSB, and much more to build a brand new facility.
