WS Chronicle

(From L-R) Councilman Dan Besse, Councilman Derwin Montgomery, Councilman James Taylor, Jr., Police Chief Barry Roundtree, City Manager Lee Garrity and Mayor Allen Joines break the ground in front of the future District 2 Police Station building Friday, Sept. 11. (Photos by Tori P. Haynesworth)

By Tori P. Haynesworth
For The Chronicle

By Tori P. Haynesworth

For The Chronicle

One of three police substations that is being financed by voter-approved bonds is on its way to being a reality.

Mayor Allen Joines, Councilman James Taylor Jr. and others on the City Council held the groundbreaking ceremony for the District 2 Police Station (Lucia Building) on Friday, Sept. 11, at 1539 Waughtown St.

A moment of silence in remembrance of the anniversary of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001 came first. Joines recognized the Winston-Salem Police Department for the service they give to the community, in hopes that the District 2 station is the first steps to continue that dedication.

“On behalf of the City of Winston-Salem and all the citizens who have helped support this bond issue, this is an important project,” said Joines.

The budget for the renovation project was $1.98 million; $182, 398 has been spent, and $626,506 is committed to minority/women owned businesses. As of Aug. 28, this project is among the 273 projects listed; with $3.18 million already spent, $139.20 million is left.

The building has been called the Lucia Building but will be called the District 2 Police Station when renovations are completed.

Taylor was very excited that this project is finally in the works, being that this station is located in his district, the Southeast Ward.

“It reinforces our commitment to protect and serve our community and to redevelop this community,” said Taylor. “It’s necessary to point out that there are a number of people who will enjoy this facility, who will be able to work on this facility and provide jobs for their families. Not only will this facility provide jobs for their families, but it will help us to protect and serve those who we love the most.”

The future District 2 Station is across the street from Waughtown Baptist Church, where a few members attended this event. Betty Gordon, a resident in the area for 65 years, is glad that this is finally happening.

“It will help in the response time that if you have an emergency they will get there quicker,” said Gordon. “I hope that it will help the people who walk the neighborhood and hang out to know that the police are real close.”

Councilmen Derwin Montgomery and Dan Besse gave their remarks about the District 2 building and what this will mean for the residents.

“Today, we gather together to expand what we do for protecting and serving the community in Winston-Salem by making sure we have police presence across our community in a diversified way that make sure that people can go in their homes, go to shopping centers, places they go to each and everyday and not be concerned about their safety,” said Montgomery.

“I have one of my best friends who lives a few blocks away from here and I would feel more secure about her and her family with this facility here knowing that the police officers who are responsible for this area will be even closer to responding to calls from her neighborhood,” Besse said.

Police Chief Barry Rountree spoke of more “breathing room” for officers among other key factors that this police station will provide.

“It will give the police a greater presence in this community,” Rountree said. “It’ll also assist with improving police and community relations, and it will also improve our overall efficiency by reducing travel time and improving response time.”

The District 2 Police Station is set to be completed by April 2016.

For more information or to learn about the voter-approved bonds and other projects, go to www.cityofws.org/Departments/Budget/2014-Bonds.