It's Time to Correct Unhealthy Conditions at Park Ridge Police Station

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Being able to live or work in Park Ridge has long been considered something positive. That’s true unless you work for our Police Department.

Substandard working conditions have too long been allowed to exist to the point of potentially harming the health of police officers and staff. The dangerous health and safety conditions are well documented by a recent Public Works report to the City Council and prior presentations done by a licensed architect.

A few years ago the City Council pledged to fund corrective actions in three annual phases. Phase One was done but then the Council changed and the pledge was put on hold. Promises were later made for funding when the old Public Works site was to be sold. That did sell for about $1.5 million and later the house next to the fire station at Cumberland and Devon was also sold. Why can’t funds from those sales be used to correct deplorable conditions at our police station?

I would not work in such conditions so why do we ask those who serve and protect us every day to do so? The Council is entering the next budget review process and needs to stand up to its responsibilities to correct the facilities. Concerned citizens should voice their opinion to their Alderman and plan to attend the March 10 budget hearing to speak out.

Working in Park Ridge should never be at the expense of one’s health. Let’s right this wrong now.

Dick Barton
Park Ridge