City of Carmel-by-the-Sea seeks public feedback on potential new police facility

The City of Carmel-by-the-Sea is once again looking at what to do about its nearly 60-year-old police station. On Thursday, dozens of people gathered at city hall as part of a community listening session to provide feedback.

“We didn't realize the deficiencies we're facing. I think we want to get our arms around. What do we want to do? What are the needs in this town," Carmel-by-the-Sea Mayor Dave Potter said.

Many people at the meeting also previously attended a tour of the current police station. Several agreeing with the poor conditions for officers.

“The space is simply inefficient, unsafe, haphazard, unhealthy and disrespectful," one attendee said.

An ad-hoc committee previously highlighted issues surrounding the building’s age, heavy usage, deferred maintenance. That committee calling on new police department facilities at a different site.

“We want to get the public on board with what we're going to do. We're talking about a lot of money here, but to make sure it's a good investment of public dollar," Mayor Potter said.

The city estimates the project to costs between $20 million and $30-million. Despite that cost, many people are still wanting a proper facility for their local police department.

“It's time to join the 21st century, it's time to make room for technology and give room to the officers who are keeping us safe," one attendee said.

Mayor Potter said they still need to figure out where to put a possible new station. No official action was taken at the meeting, but officials expect to revisit the topic again in the near future.