BREAKING NEWS: Owatonna recommends new site for police station

After months of intense pressure from the community, the City of Owatonna appears to be backing down on the site it had selected for the city’s new police station.

On Friday, the city announced it will recommend an alternative location to the City Council next Tuesday. The new proposed site is the vacant lot on North Street next to Cash Wise, formerly the Cemstone property.

Ever since the city announced plans to build the station on the West Hills campus earlier this year, residents in the community have revolted citing historical concerns with the property.

The city said West Hills was originally identified as the best available site for a new police station due to being City-owned, centrally located, and having enough space for a modern facility.

The new recommended site rose to the top of staff's recommendation because it is also City-owned, keeps the project centralized, minimizes potential additional costs, makes productive use of a site that had been difficult to develop, and gives police the space they need to serve the community for decades to come.

"As circumstances changed, new opportunities emerged, and staff heard from residents, it was important for us to continue evaluating all viable options," said City Administrator Jenna Tuma. "This recommendation reflects a balanced assessment of multiple factors to determine what will best serve the community moving forward while minimizing the impact on taxpayers."

Staff will present the recommendation, along with other alternatives examined in recent months, at Tuesday's study session, beginning at 6 p.m. The City Council is expected to consider the recommendation at its regular meeting at 7 p.m.

The proposed new fire station remains planned for the site of the current Law Enforcement Center.

On Nov. 3, Owatonna residents will vote on whether to authorize up to $65 million in bonds for new police and fire facilities.

The cost of the project is still a sticking point with residents as many have expressed concern that the project is too expensive.