Debate goes on over site of new Will sheriff’s station

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Moustis

Updated: October 31, 2011 2:56PM

Will County could improve a sheriff’s police station on Laraway Road before it buys land for a new station and training center, according to the county board chairman.

Though the idea could save the county money on a land purchase, it’s not clear if Jim Moustis’ plan would lower the project’s ultimate price tag.

No budget has been set and renovating the police station on Laraway Road could be costly, but it might be the county’s best option, said Moustis (R-Frankfort Square).

“I don’t think there’s a better site geographically,” he said of the current site. “... We already own it.”

County officials have been talking about a new police station for more than five years and at one point identified a site to lease from the Army at Brandon and Arsenal roads.

But that location was dropped because it was within 10 miles of the Braidwood Nuclear Power Station and might have to be evacuated in case of an emergency at the power station.

The new station would house law enforcement and support services personnel.

Undersheriff Martin Nowak told a county board committee Thursday that the sheriff’s department needs a new facility because of the deterioration of the Laraway Road building and another in downtown Joliet.

“Ninety-five percent of the sheriff’s operation really needs to be put in another building,” Nowak said.

The issue of the new police station is
expected to be discussed further at the county board’s next executive committee meeting.