By Mike Russo
The county police department studied a new, technologically-updated precinct design in 2005, and the 1st Precinct, currently in a 75-year-old building on Merrick Road in Baldwin, would be the first precinct in the county to use the redesign.
Because the property would be leased from David Rosen, owner of the shopping center, rather than purchased, Rosen would be responsible for designing the building, though the county would provide both plans and funds, Scannell said. According to Scannell, leasing would help taxpayers save money while providing the best location for the police serving Baldwin, East Meadow, South Hempstead, Roosevelt, Uniondale, North Merrick and North Bellmore.
"[The Rosen Shopping Center] is still my No. 1 spot," said Scannell. "It's my understanding that the negotiations [between the county and Rosen] have picked up over the last couple of weeks and, it's headed in a positive direction."
Scannell cited the support for the Rosen Shopping Center location among Baldwin residents who showed up at numerous meetings that focused on potential locations for the new precinct. The shopping center is next to Baldwin Senior High School. "The overwhelming community reaction was for the spot right next to the high school," said Scannell. "If that's what the community wants, then that's also a top priority of mine as well."
Scannell said he was optimistic that an arrangement would be reached between the county and Rosen in about a month.
Comments about this story? MRusso@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 283.
