Blawnox to convert old police station to office space

Blawnox officials plan to turn their former police station into office space.

The shift will also allow the borough to move its food pantry from the second floor of the municipal building to the first floor, making it easier for deliveries and distribution.

Council announced the changes on April 9.

There were some mixed reactions with Council President Deborah Laskey in full support and Vice President Randall Stoddard feeling skeptical.

“I think it would give the clerical staff more room over there,” Laskey said. “I think it’s a very good move. It’s private. You have more space for your code enforcement officer. You have our fire marshal. He’ll have a space over there. Plus the water department will (have a space) for billing and things like that. There’s going to be more wiggle room.”

Stoddard said he is unsure of how the change would work logistically.

“The way it’s broken up right now, I don’t see it,” he said. “I’m not the biggest fan of that idea. If everybody else can see where they can put the desks and put the computers and everything else then let them have at it. It is a large space. It’s just broken up differently than the two offices that we have now.”

O’Hara took over Blawnox police services at the start of this year.

Several borough officers, including Chief Patrick Goodman, joined the township force as part of the move.

Blawnox officials celebrated the department’s final days in December, complete with miniature personalized officer tributes crafted by councilwoman Katie Specht-Coban.

It is unclear when the move will be finalized and what may happen with the soon-to-be former food pantry space.

Borough Manager Kathy Ulanowicz also expressed some lament about moving, but believes it will be for the best.

She and several volunteers operate the food pantry, which serves about 45 people in 20 different households per month.

Its current operation is on the second floor of the borough building. Participants usually wait in council chambers and go in one or two at a time due to limited space.

“It is more convenient (for the food pantry) to be on the first floor,” Ulanowicz said. “We could use my side door and bring (food) into the back room where we’re going to store it. There is a side entrance to my (current) office.”

Ulanowicz said Blawnox officers removed most of their equipment and supplies from the station. Public works crews also took some cabinets and other storage from the station.

Goodman was at the council meeting, seated with O’Hara Police Superintendent Jay Davis.

The former chief said he is pleased the station will have a new life.

“It’s going to be serving a good purpose for the good of the community,” Goodman said. “Couldn’t ask for more than that. It’s better than wasted space.”

Goodman said there are “a few odds and ends” that still need to be moved by officers.

The station would then be professionally cleaned and painted before the office changeover.

Davis said patrols have been smooth and officers from both communities are all getting along under one roof.

Police vehicles were redecaled a few months ago to represent the additional coverage.