City prepares revitalization of old police and fire station

BLYTHEVILLE, Arkansas (KAIT) – The City of Blytheville is preparing to make changes to the old police department on Walnut Street as part of its efforts to revitalize the city.

Janice Smith, the city’s foreclosure coordinator, mentioned that the building, which houses the police department, city hall and a fire station, violates building codes.

“We have some dilapidations,” Smith said.

In addition, mold poses a safety risk to the building, particularly due to concerns about the interior of the building.

“The roof is collapsing a little bit, so we tried to tear it down,” Smith said.

The city intends to immediately correct these problems at the old fire station, which is attached to the police department.

During the demolition work, the prison cells in the rear part of the fire station will also be removed.

“We are trying to quickly resolve the issues in the old fire station area,” Smith said.

Although the old police station will remain standing for the time being, the mayor has not yet announced any plans for its revitalization.

The current focus is on eliminating the dilapidated condition and defects in the building.

“The current focus is on addressing the deterioration and existing violations,” Smith said.

Once demolition is complete, the mayor will announce further plans for the building.

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