South Portland Moves Forward to Acquire Walgreens for Police Station

The city of South Portland is taking steps to acquire the Walgreens property at 279 Main St. to establish a new police station. Mayor Elyse Tipton announced that the property acquisition process is progressing, with plans for residents to vote on a referendum this fall. The proposed location is strategically positioned in the city, making it ideal for public safety initiatives.

The Walgreens site spans 2.9 acres and has a current market value of $2,516,600, as indicated by the city assessor’s office. In September 2021, the property was purchased by Walgreens for $2,092,500. The decision to seek a new police station comes as the existing facility, located off Broadway, fails to meet current building codes and is deemed too small for the department’s operational needs.

Current Police Station Challenges

The existing police station is situated in a floodplain, raising concerns about vulnerability to rising water levels. Additionally, the facility faces over $1.5 million in deferred repairs. Urgent upgrades are necessary, including improvements to locker rooms, the HVAC system, bathroom facilities, holding cells, lobby areas, and evidence storage. The building’s boiler and roof are also due for replacement, while the parking lot requires repaving to ensure functionality.

As part of a broader civic plan, the City Council previously approved the conversion of the former Mahoney Middle School into a city services hub, which includes the new police station. According to a site fit analysis conducted by the design team Colliers, any new site for the police station must measure between 2.5 and 3 acres to accommodate operational requirements effectively.

The push for a new police station reflects South Portland’s commitment to enhancing public safety and ensuring that law enforcement has the necessary facilities to serve the community effectively. As discussions continue and the referendum approaches, residents will have the opportunity to weigh in on this significant development.

This story remains in progress, and updates will follow as the city moves closer to finalizing the acquisition and plans for the new police facility.