New Police Station

October 2, 2009

Following a default in mortgage payments by the prior owner and foreclosure by the lender, the City of Clayton has taken action to solve a critical need to assure efficient and effective police services to Clayton residents and businesses by acquiring the property at 10 S. Brentwood Blvd. for a new police station, according to City
Manager Craig Owens.

"Our previous interest in the site was common knowledge; but we turned our attention elsewhere when our discussions about buying the building didn't pan out. After they foreclosed on the property, the lender approached us about whether or not we might resume discussions. Their proposal was clearly advantageous to the taxpayers and residents of Clayton, and we have been able to reach agreement."

Owens said the construction of a new police station for the city is imperative because of space needs for police operations and the cramped and deteriorated condition of the existing station at 227 S. Central Avenue after 50 years of intense use.

"It is time to address the critical needs of our police department in this facility if we are to maintain the quality of service our residents expect and the kind of effective workplace environment our officers require," Clayton Police Chief Thomas J. Byrne said. The existing station has a variety of electrical, plumbing and asbestos issues that make reinvestment in the current station a poor choice for taxpayers.

Owens said the purchase price for the Heritage Building at 10 S. Brentwood Blvd., is $7,481,000.

The overall cost for renovating the property for a new police station is expected to be approximately 8 million dollars. "The Heritage Building is the perfect site for the new police station," Owens said. "It is centrally
located. We can retrofit the interior of the building to a LEED certification and preserve a well-known
structure in Clayton. It will allow us to accelerate the timeline for a new station over ground-up construction and be less expensive. And, it will give our police department and overall city operations room to grow. This is a tremendous value and opportunity for a critical need."

Owens said the foreclosure of the Heritage Building created uncertainty for the future of the site, but the city's purchase assures that it will remain compatible with community expectations.

Byrne said the current police station is too small and renovation too expensive to meet the needs of the department.

Owens noted that timing for relocating the police department will never be better due to attractive bond rates, construction costs and other financial opportunities available to the city.