WS Chronicle

By Tevin Stinson

The Chronicle

Construction on the District 3 Police Station is officially underway.

Mayor Allen Joines, Chief Barry Rountree and other city officials held a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday, Feb. 25, for the new station that will be located at the corner of Somerset Drive and Hillcrest Center Circle near South Stratford Road.

Similar to the stations in Districts 1 and 2 that are already under construction, the District 3 station will have about 10,000 square feet and include offices, meeting rooms, showers, restrooms, a locker room and a break room. Voters approved $3.96 million for the District 3 Police Station, in the November 2014 bond referendum.

During the ceremony, Rountree said the addition of the sub-stations will allow officers to better serve the community. According to Rountree, the stations will allow officers to save time when responding to calls and build relationships with the neighborhoods they serve.

Rountree also mentioned the substations will give people an extra sense of security.

“This will give the police a greater presence in this community and allow officers to do their jobs more effectively,” he said. “I am thankful for the residents of this community for their support. Without them, this would not have been possible.”

Mayor Allen Joines said he is pleased to be able to bring the stations into the communities. Joines also recognized the Winston-Salem Police Department for its hard

work and dedication.

“This facility is very important to improving the relationship between residents and the police,” Joines said.

Residents who live in the vicinity of the new station seemed excited about the station as well. Janice Mosley said she will feel a lot safer once construction is complete. She mentioned knowing that there will be a station in her neighborhood gives her an extra sense of security.

Construction on the District 3 station is expected to be complete by 2017 as well as the District 1 station located on North Point Boulevard. The District 2 station, located on Waughtown Street, expected to open in April.

For more information on the substations or to learn about the voter-approved bonds and other projects go to www.cityofws.org/departments/budgest/2014-bonds.