Rochester Moves Ahead with New Police Precinct Plan
Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) -The Rochester City Council Wednesday approved a proposal to purchase the Think Bank property located along 41st St and West River Road NW.
This means the police department can now proceed with plans to turn the building into a precinct. The purchase price is $3.2 million.
Police Chief Roger Peterson says it will cost about $450,000 to get it ready for department operations. His hope is to relocate 25 personnel to the site next year. Peterson says this will help relieve the space crunch at the Law Enforcement Center. Peterson also notes there is plenty of space at the bank site for future expansion.
The city has been considering the site the last two years. The main reason the city decided to buy it now is the expected loss of space at the city’s public works complex that has been used by the police department.
Also at Wednesday’s meeting, the Council directed staff to seek an appraisal of the current Senior Center site, often called the Castle.
The council rejected two proposals for future use of the property and will wait for the appraisal before deciding what to do next, which could be a sale or another request for proposals.
More From Y-105FM
