AGENDA DATE: 7/20/2022
TITLE:
Title
Public Safety Operations Center Lease
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Authorize the County Executive to Execute a Lease of 1639 East Rio Road for a Public Safety Operations Center
ITEM TYPE: Regular Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Walker, Henry, Hudson, Herrick, Stewart
PRESENTER (S): Stewart (Lead), Eggleston, Reeves
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: The administrative and operational functions of the Albemarle County Fire-Rescue Department (ACFR) and Albemarle County Police Department (ACPD) have grown substantially over recent decades. In addition to an expansion in service area, ACFR has expanded its support of volunteer companies, assumed responsibility for EMS training and maintenance of all fire and rescue equipment, and created new programs. ACPD's needs for secure storage of specialty equipment and vehicles, for seized property, and for evidence processing have exceeded available space for many years.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Infrastructure Investment - Prioritize, plan, and invest in critical infrastructure that responds to past and future changes and improves the capacity to serve community needs.
Quality Government Operations - Ensure County government's capacity to provide high quality service that achieves community priorities.
DISCUSSION: In 2021, staff began seeking opportunities to purchase or lease property suitable to meet the operational needs of the County's public safety functions, either in separate locations or in a single location. Preliminary discussions with Seminole Trail Properties, LLC, were initiated to explore the suitability of the property located at 1639 East Rio Road, which is is the site of the former J.C. Penney's store at Fashion Square Mall. This retail store included approximately 33,000 square feet of "back of the house" functions, including a large warehouse with loading dock, former tire shop, and office space for employees...
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