Dayton Police Seek Downtown Property for New Facility Amid Heated Debate

Dayton City Comission Meeting May 7, 2025

By RoShawn Winburn | May 11, 2025

The Dayton City Commission’s May 7, 2025, meeting took a contentious turn as the Dayton Police Department formally requested authorization to purchase two downtown properties to construct a new Central Business District (CBD) facility. The proposal, framed as a strategic move to enhance public safety and modernize police operations, sparked a passionate discussion among commissioners, community advocates, and residents.

According to the department, the planned facility would consolidate operations currently scattered across multiple sites and allow for faster response times in the urban core. The properties in question are located near the heart of downtown, just blocks from key business and transit corridors. DPD officials stated the proposed location was “optimal” for a 21st-century law enforcement hub, offering better proximity to high-traffic areas while allowing space for community engagement amenities.

However, the proposal was met with vocal skepticism from several commissioners and attendees during the public comment period. Critics raised concerns about the timing, necessity, purchase price, and broader implications of the acquisition.

Community activists echoed these sentiments, questioning whether new infrastructure was the best use of city funds amid calls for investment in housing, mental health, and youth programming. Questions were raised about the purchase price, as concerns about rewarding property owners

“Choosing to build a police station right downtown, you are choosing to prioritze an authoritarian top-down approach to safety rather than tackling the root causes of our city's unrest and violence, poverty, and lack of opportunity,” said citizen Mary Sue Gmeiner. “This does not even address the fact that a $1.4 Million price tag looks like a bailout for an investment company that hasn't even paid their taxes or kept up their property they paid $283,000 in 2019 for one group of parcels, and $100,000 in 2022 for a second group of parcels.”

City Manager Shelley Dickstein noted that the request was only for permission to pursue the acquisition, not final approval of design or construction. She stressed that further community engagement would occur as part of the development process.

Still, the tense exchanges underscored the complex dynamics at play: a police department looking to modernize in the wake of increased demand, a city commission balancing fiscal priorities and public sentiment, and a community still navigating its vision for justice and safety in Dayton.

As the discussion continues, residents are encouraged to participate in upcoming forums and share their perspectives. The next community input session on the CBD facility is scheduled for later this month. Citizens are encouraged to be engaged in local government. Commission meetings are open to the public and are broadcasted live on Youtube. For the upcoming schedule and agenda, visit the City of Dayton Commission website.

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Comments:

Thank you, commissioners Fairchild and turner-sloss for looking out for the community's concerns with the lack of transparency of this real estate deal. Also, the city manager absolutely should be able to give approximate timetables for demolition and construction, these are not hard to estimate.  @sergiocalderon6325

Need a new mayor and city manager, vote!!!!  @Daytonblight

What could the Dayton PD do immediately? How about they not buy a flashy Polaris and instead set up a field office at Wright Stop Plaza building in any of the clearly empty ground floor suites that are fully ready for tenants? That's what dayton pd could do immediately  @sergiocalderon6325

This is freaking UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!!! You are NOT following the rules in which YOU JUST READ!!!! What is the freakin' rush?????  @penelopebrown610

Thank you, Commissioners Fairchild & Turner-Sloss, for keeping the citizens informed about their tax dollars.  @TSLHLLC

I notice once again, the three rubber stamps never have any questions. It's very apparent that information was not shared with all commissioners.   @TSLHLLC

As a project trained program manager, every project has a timeline - whether or not you're able to keep to it.   @micagarrison3670

“The cat’s out of the bag” lol. Nothing the city does should be secret from the smallest investment - and they’re doing this buy with zero plan “I’m not sitting on Santa’s lap.” So Dayton - pretty stupid and sounds like some questionable legality.   @josephabrams3051

The city leadership is so poor, does not even research slumlords.   @Daytonblight

Excellent comments but Turner-Sloss should’ve voted no on legislation for the new police station. Also wild that we’re just back to first and second emergency readings all at the same time. Trash.  @josephabrams3051

I am very uncomfortable with a police officer discussing construction issues, or issues that should come from the city managers.  @TSLHLLC

Does Mims actually understand words when he reads them? Fairchild was so clearly in order. Seems like the only one who actually understands the process - not just right but most of the time. And I didn’t know why you all keep sending back Joseph all these years going, let alone Shaw. Bunch of dollar store gangster doofuses.   @josephabrams3051

This is why we need an attorney elected as city commissioner. We got hijacked again!!  @TSLHLLC

           

Then Abby Jones should have conducted the presentation.  @TSLHLLC

What you are doing immediately is being reactionary.   @TSLHLLC

Where is the emergency order for the residence park neighborhood? Where is the emergency order for money for the children of this city? Where is the emergency order to help with the busing for the school system?  @TSLHLLC

I hear you loud and clear, but what and when are we actually going to start doing something about these unjust evils. Seriously. All Dayton does is talk… time to walk and whistle while we work for a brighter future for our Children! My God! Have Mercy!   @LEYA4LYFE

You didn't have to engage the community in the negotiations. You could've engaged the community in what the downtown location would look like and what type of services would be provided.   @micagarrison3670