WAYNE HEIGHTS—Washington Township could be one step closer to a new township building, if all goes as planned next week.
The Board of Supervisors is expected to vote next week on whether to let bids for the proposed facility.
On Monday, the board got a look at detailed plans for a 12,120-square-foot building, which would house township administrative staff, the Washington Township Police Department and the tax collector’s office.
The current township administration building is located inside a grouping of six “temporary” trailers that were placed in 2005 and 2008.
“They are rotting away and sinking,” explained Township Manager Jeff Geesaman. “There’s mold issues … water pours in the lunchroom. We have about 60 percent of our lights light every morning and every day that 60 percent is different.”
The police department building was built in 1967 and added onto in the 1980s and 1990s and is antiquated in terms of space and technology.
The new facility would be built along Buchanan Trail East just west of Pen-Mar Antique Market.
Plans call for an “U”-shaped, wood-framed building with some concrete and metal siding.
The goal is for the structure to be a fairly basic office building, but large enough to accommodate a township of its size.
Half the building would be township and tax offices and the other half would be reserved for the police department.
“It’s all predicated on the cost,” said Supervisor Stewart McCleaf.
Project estimates have ranged between $1.9 million and $6.3 million, due to supply issues and variable cost projections.
“We go from $2 million to $6 million. I’m interested in seeing quotes,” said Supervisor Scott Stine.
If the board moves forward with letting bids next week, work on the project could begin as early as April or May.
“It’s anticipated to be an eight-month project,” Geesaman said.
The Washington Township Board of Supervisors will meet Monday, Jan. 17, at 7 p.m. in the township building on Welty Road.
