MAYOR GOODWIN ANNOUNCES CITY TO PURCHASE FORMER TRUIST PROPERTY AT 1 PIEDMONT ROAD FOR NEW PUBLIC SAFETY CENTER

(Charleston, W. Va.)- Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin announced, during this evening's Charleston City Council meeting, the City will purchase the former Truist property, located at 1 Piedmont Road, to establish the new public safety center-a project that has been top priority of this administration. The new facility will provide a space that better serves the community and the Charleston Police Department (CPD).

"Establishing a new public safety Center for the Charleston Police Department has been a central focus of this administration - reflecting our unwavering commitment to enhancing public safety and modernizing our city's law enforcement infrastructure," said Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin. "Having a state-of-the-art public safety center - easily accessible to all areas of our city - will enhance our department's capabilities and significantly improve our officers' ability to serve and protect our community."

At over 80,000 square feet, the property provides enough space to meet the current and future needs of CPD. In addition, the property has enough parking to accommodate CPD's entire fleet.

"Charleston has the largest municipal police department in the State. Securing this property is a critical step toward ensuring CPD remains competitive - attracting qualified candidates who are committed to protecting and serving our community and focusing on retention through the ranks," said Chief of Police Scott Dempsey. "This state-of-the-art facility will equip our department with the tools and resources necessary to stay competitive and further strengthen the bonds between our police force and the community."

$2.75M had already been allocated to conduct the feasibility study, develop initial design concepts, and identify and purchase the property.

Charleston City Council approved Resolution No. 24-021- authorizing the City to enter into a purchase sale agreement to acquire property located at 1 Piedmont Road for the Public Safety Center.