Members of North Augusta City Council were updated during Monday night’s study session on the rising costs to build a new headquarters for the Public Safety Department.
Currently, the plan is to build the new facility combining public safety with the courts on city-owned property on E. Buena Vista Avenue near the existing headquarters.
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Since the council last reviewed the plan in September 2020, City Administrator Jim Clifford said costs have risen dramatically.
“Part of this has to do with the construction industry as a whole and the cost associated with materials in general,” Clifford added.
He said there are also problems with the E. Buena Vista site that were not known until recently.
“In order for us to put this building on this site, we have to put a very sizeable retaining wall on the backside of the public safety headquarters, along with the soil stabilization required on the backside as well,” Clifford said.
There is also no ability to expand the building and parking in the future if necessary.
Site prep costs alone, not including construction, for that site are nearly $2.2 million dollars.
Clifford presented an alternative plan that would move the building to city-owned property on Georgia Avenue, commonly referred to as the Flythe and Seven Gables properties. That plan would retain two historic structures that face Observatory Avenue.
Site prep costs for the Georgia Avenue site are $681,465.
Clifford said this site also has expansion capabilities.
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“So, at a future date, if the city grows to the point where we have to add additional facilities, you can envision a breezeway moving out into the front of the site plan or even expanding into the parking lot and changing the parking arrangements,” he added.
Total cost for the E. Buena Vista site is almost $17.3 million, while it is just under $16.5 for the Georgia Avenue site.
Clifford said moving the project will result in a delay of four-to-six months but recommended council instruct the staff to move forward with the Georgia Avenue location.
Councilman Eric Presnell said Georgia Avenue may be the place to put the new building.
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“Our police officers and firemen deserve better. At this point, I’d be willing to say just whatever gets it done quickest,” said Presnell.
Clifford suggested discussing the new plan with the nonprofit organizations interested in using the Seven Gables location, along with getting feedback from citizens.
Mayor Williams and council told the staff to move forward with the revised plan to iron out some details and get comments from the community.
Dana Lynn McIntyre is a Staff Reporter with The Augusta Press. You can reach her at dana@theaugustapress.com.
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