City officials cut the ribbon on the West District Police Station on Thursday Jan. 7, a project that has cost more and took longer to complete than when first started six years ago. At 1 Jackson St. near Clinton Avenue and Seidler Street, the new station faces Martin Luther King Drive and replaces a 145-year old station a few blocks north on Communipaw Avenue. It is the first new police station built in Jersey City since 1954.
The new station, which cost about $11 million, was renamed last July to honor Det. Melvin Santiago, who was shot to death during a robbery and a drug store in 2014.
Members of Santiago’s family were on hand to mark the official opening of the station.
Cathy McBride, Santiago’s mother, said she was comforted by those who honored her son. Breaking up in tears, she said, “I wrote him a letter last night telling him how proud of him I am.”
Long in coming
For nearly four decades, public officials have heard complaints about the old building. The old station had been cited for numerous safety and health violations by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Although replacing the aged station had been discussed since the 1970s, the project did not get off the ground until 2010, but was again delayed when one of the bidders sued over the awarding of the contract.
The project broke ground at its current location in 2012 and was expected to be completed within 14 months. Other technical issues delayed the official opening to Jan. 5, 2016 when officers of the 7 a.m. shift finally moved in. The 29,000 square foot building with accommodates 200 officers, supervisors, and detectives. The site will include the Police Department’s Cease Fire Unit.
“This is the start of our investment in the south side of Jersey City.”— City Council President Rolando Lavarro
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The new station is expected to have a positive impact on an area of the city troubled with gun violence and gang activity, one of the reasons why the department’s Cease Fire Unit will be located there.
Public Safety Director James Shea said the current administration has been responsive to the needs of public safety in supplying things big and small.
The West District is considered one of the busiest police districts in the state of New Jersey. The new facility features a bullet proof reception area, a more secure prisoner pickup and drop off area, and green technology for increased energy efficiency.
Named after a hero
“Melvin was a hero and he was taken from us far too soon,” Shea said. “It is an honor to cut the ribbon on this building which not only memorializes Melvin’s life, but which also is the center of operations for the district and nearly 200 brother and sisters who worked alongside him. His sacrifice will be remembered for decades to come.”
Santiago was killed on July 13, 2014 while answering a call in the West District. He was ambushed and shot by a gunman while in his patrol car.
“We couldn’t be prouder to stand here today with the officers who protect and serve our West District as well as the Santiago family, as we cut the ribbon on this state-of-the-art facility,” said Mayor Steven Fulop.
As part of the ceremony, officials installed a time capsule in the lobby which features memorabilia from present-day Jersey City, Police Department items, personal artifacts from Det. Santiago, and notes from Jersey City children – to be opened in 100 years.
Santiago’s mother’s note will also go into the capsule.
Al Sullivan may be reached at asullivan@hudsonreporter.com.