New Police Station planned for Jacinto City

ARCHITECT’S RENDERING OF THE NEW JACINTO CITY POLICE STATION.
ARCHITECT’S RENDERING OF THE NEW JACINTO CITY POLICE STATION.
ARCHITECT’S RENDERING OF THE NEW JACINTO CITY POLICE STATION.

JACINTO CITY – A major new building is set to be built, as groundbreaking ceremonies last Friday marked the start of construction for a new 2story police station.

The new building is to be built immediately behind the existing station, and when completed the old facility will be torn down, and replaced with parking and landscaping.

City Manager Lon Squyres said that “while the city recognized the need to replace the police station years ago, a fire in the attic in September of last year reinforced the commitment to hasten this project. The damages were over $100,000 and severely impacted the ability of the officers to do their jobs.

The new station will meet modern life safety codes and will be very energy efficient. In addition to areas for general police work, there will be several holding cells, offices, a workout room, fingerprint lab and a large conference room that will also serve as the Emergency Operations Center during disasters.” In addition there will be 9 holding cells, 6 for men and 3 for women.

Architect Ed Gant stated that the building will be a two story brick design with aluminum framed windows, and a metal standing seam roof. Area of the first floor is 10,710 square feet, with a “Sally port” of an additional 1830 s.f. The second floor is 8,966 s.f., and total building size is 21,506. The second story will allow expansion for future needs. Cost is budgeted at just over $2 million.

In the parking lot will be space for a “Safe Trade Zone” where security cameras will focus on individuals as they trade items bought or sold online.

Participating in last Friday’s ceremonies were Mayor Ana Diaz, Police Chief Joe Ayala, City Manager Lon Squyres, Council persons Mario Gonzales, Carmela Garcia, Allen Lee, Jimmy JJ Rivas, Gregg Robinson, Constable Chris Diaz, Architects Ed and Chris Gant, and Linda Jamail representing Rep. Ana Hernandez.

City Manager Squyres said he expects the building to host regional training activities, and support several local law enforcement initiatives.

Construction is set to start immediately, and be completed in about 8 months.

GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONIES FOR THE NEW POLICE STATION took place last Friday morning, in front of the old Police Station. At center, Mayor Ana Diaz and Police Chief Joe Ayala, with City Council persons, City Manager Lon Squyres, Constable Chris Diaz, and Architects Ed and Chris Gant.
GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONIES FOR THE NEW POLICE STATION took place last Friday morning, in front of the old Police Station. At center, Mayor Ana Diaz and Police Chief Joe Ayala, with City Council persons, City Manager Lon Squyres, Constable Chris Diaz, and Architects Ed and Chris Gant.