Mayor Proposes $500,000 Westlake Welcome Center for Crocker Park

Mayor Dennis Clough presented his concept for a new city welcome center to the Public Grounds, Buildings and Recreation Committee on Tuesday. The center would be located within the Crocker Park Shopping Center and is budgeted for a cost of $500,000.

Clough gave background on the project to the committee and suggested that it could be staffed by existing city hall employees. He also provided details and visual concepts with Director of Engineering Bob Kelly and Architect Steve Schill.

Fire Chief James Hughes and Police Chief Kevin Bielozer were also on hand to discuss what use their departments could get out of the proposed facility. The committee’s reaction, however, was not resoundingly positive.

A number of factors related to the project were brought up by committee members. These included cost, use, location, additional staffing, hours of operation and present use of the existing Crocker Park welcome center.

The discussion was noted in the minutes as lengthy, and the committee did not suggest approving the project. It was decided that the committee would, however, recommend that the City Council vote to provide utilities to the location for a possible future use.