'Honest Picture' Of Elmhurst Police Station

ELMHURST, IL – Elmhurst is launching its campaign to persuade a skeptical public that the city's police station is plagued with problems.

On Tuesday, the city released videos documenting what it says are issues with the station at 125 E. First St. Parts of the footage were played at Monday's City Council meeting.

Over the last few months, officials have been reviewing ways to raise taxes to pay for a new nearly $50 million station. The current one is 34 years old.

The videos are available on the police department's website.

“This video offers a clear and honest picture of the critical condition of our police station,” Mayor Scott Levin said in a news release. "The facility’s deficiencies are not just about outdated infrastructure – they directly affect the safety of our officers, the accessibility of services for our residents, and the long-term security of our entire community."

Here are what the city identifies as problems with the building:

• Mechanical system failures: Repeated breakdowns in heating and cooling systems, requiring costly temporary equipment for basic climate control.
• Plumbing failures: Repeated water pipe breaks, sewage backups, and basement flooding, leading to damage and disruptions.
• Exterior masonry failure: Structural damage that has required emergency repairs.
• ADA non-compliance: Barriers to accessibility for employees and residents with disabilities.
• Undersized spaces: Insufficient room for evidence storage, officer training, and public safety operations for a city of more than 46,000 residents.

The City Council's finance committee is looking at options for tax increases. Among them are hikes in property taxes and vehicle sticker fees.