The Groveport Police Department has been growing along with the town and, with that in mind, village officials are mulling over the possibility of building a new, larger police station.
At Groveport Village Council’s Oct. 20 committee of the whole meeting, officials heard a presentation of a feasibility study for a potential new police station by Dave King of Horne & King Architects. The study cost the village around $3,200.
The police department currently has 19 full time officers and five reserve officers who operate out of a 3,100 square foot area in the west wing of the Groveport Municipal Building at 655 Blacklick St. King noted growth patterns tabulated by the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) show that Groveport’s population of just below 5,000 could grow to 12,000 by 2030, which could result in a police force of 30 or more officers.
Horne & King’s study suggested the village consider constructing a new 27,130 square foot police station on around two to four acres of land. Such a facility could cost an estimated $7.1 million, according to Horne & King.
"This is just a benchmark," said King. "The facility could be smaller or larger."
King said the police station could be either one or two stories and feature a community room, three temporary holding cells, a firing range, armory, office space, training areas, and other related needs.
A potential site for a possible new police station has not been identified.
Speaking after the meeting, Police Chief Gary York said the study is just a starting point for discussion.
"We need room to maintain the level of service the community expects and needs as the village grows," said York.
Village officials will review the feasibility study and discuss the issue further at future meetings.
