It was in April 2009 that the Senoia City Council approved construction plans for the new Senoia Police Department and Municipal Court building on Howard Road. Despite past weather-related delays, the new 8,310 square-foot facility is expected to open in early July.
Completion of the $1 million project was expected to be wrapped up in the spring, but delays due to a wet winter and high moisture levels in the concrete floor pushed that date back. But all that is about to be a thing of the past.
Chief Jason Edens on Monday said the final walk-through last week was accompanied by a Certificate of Occupancy for the project. Installation of the phone and court recording systems and computers was expected to begin this week.
Barring unforeseen problems, Edens said he expects to have the building ready for Judge Sharon Pierce to hold city court on July 1.
The court services side of the building will feature a large court room with offices for the court clerk and the judge and a holding room for inmate court appearances. Technologically, it is state-of-the-art and will provide for the digital recording of court proceedings.
On the police side, there are offices for the clerk, shift commander, captain and the chief. And there are three offices for investigations, a conference room, work areas for road supervisors, interview and observation rooms, computer room, weapons storage and evidence rooms, an intoxication room, a roll call and break room, shower room and a number of supply and storage rooms.
“It’s got just about everything you can think of. And it’s user-friendly for officers and citizens,” Edens said recently. “Every vision for what I have for the police department is solidified with what we’re doing here and (with the building opening) it will bring a new face to the department.”
The 8,310 square-foot building sits on approximately three acres on Howard Road near the city’s ball fields. The land was purchased from Southern Mills in 2008 for $232,000.
The project was funded through the Georgia Municipal Association’s (GMA) Brick and Mortar Program. Through the program, GMA essentially purchases the property, constructs the building and leases it to the city. Once the building is paid off, GMA signs it back over to the city.
