Manlius, NY – The town of Manlius is proposing to borrow $2.8 million to buy land on North Burdick Street to build a new town hall, which would include police headquarters and court system.
The town would purchase nearly eight acres at 5424 and 5430 N. Burdick St., across from Kohl’s department store. The land is owned by Twin Shores Properties LLC, which is proposing to build a residential and retail development along North Burdick Street.
That means the new town hall and police station would be adjacent to a large housing development to the north and commercial and retail sites to the south.
A public hearing on the proposed land purchase is set for June 26 at town hall.
Manlius Town Supervisor John Deer said the purchase would include three parcels totaling almost eight acres at the southern end of a pond along North Burdick.
Twin Shores also would give the town 62 acres of wetlands around the site, which Deer said could be turned into recreational areas and walking trails. The land was negotiated as part of the agreement, Deer said.
The $2.8 million would cover the land alone. The cost of building the new facility would be more. A 2018 study found that building a new town hall could cost about $15 million.
Deer said the construction costs, without doubt, have gone up. But he said it would be a good investment for the town, and one that’s overdue.
Deer argues the town’s current hall on Brooklea Drive is short on space and needs repairs. It was built in the 1960s, and added onto in the ‘80s, Deer said.
“A new facility is essential,” Deer said. “We have people working where the roof is leaking, and we don’t want to sink more money into this building and take half-measures. And we just don’t have enough space where we are now.”
The change would also allow the town’s police force to be in the same location as the town court system. Currently, the Manlius Police Department leases space from the village of Manlius off of Fayette Street.
The town has been looking for a new space off and on since 1999, Deer said. Now the town had identified a spot they think is ideal, he said.
Although the site isn’t centrally located geographically, it’s located in the middle of where most people live. That would mean more better police response time, Deer said.
Once the site is secured, the town would work on design and incorporate the community in discussions about what the building should look like and include, he said.
If approved, construction would likely not start until 2026, Deer said.
Elizabeth Doran covers education, suburban government and development, breaking news and more. Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact her anytime 315-470-3012 or email [email protected]
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