What is being done for a new public safety building in Johnstown

President of the Flood City Fraternal Order of Police lodge #86 Dan Zakraysek said some of his members told him the conditions of the public safety building are poor.

“The conditions are deplorable to say the least,” Zakraysek said. “There's dirt and what appears to be mold coming out of the vents. Several of our officers have required medical treatment. Two of them have required surgery for sinus issues.”

There is also water that floods the basement of the building according to Zakraysek.

Despite some rumors cancer is not an issue if any medical problems have been caused by the building according to Johnstown police chief Richard Pritchard.

It was last February Johnstown city officials announced plans to relocate the public safety building that is on Washington Street, that will be 100 years old next year. The city's fire and police are working out of the building currently.

He adds that the air quality was fine last time it was tested about six years ago.

City manager Ethan Imhoff said officials are looking for funds from state and federal representatives and programs. He said applications have been submitted for federal Community Projects funding and state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program funding. He also mentioned the Community Development Block Grant Program as a possible funding option.

City council has also allocated $2.5 million in ARPA funds for this project according to Imhoff.

The new building is planned to be in the parking lot across the street from the current building.

A timeline on when those plans could come together cannot be set yet according to authorities.

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