New Philadelphia police headquarters moves closer to reality

Moving Philadelphia’s police headquarters to West Philadelphia is a step closer to reality. 

City Council’s Public Property Committee approved a bill to acquire the property at 46th and Market streets to serve as a combined police headquarters, medical examiner’s office and health department lab.

Public Property Commissioner Bridget Collins Greenwald said the move is necessary.

“The 4601 Market Street Campus will provide co-location for the police and health departments, currently located in structures that can no longer adequately serve their needs,” she said Tuesday.

Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell said she and her constituents in West Philadelphia welcome the prospect of a new police headquarters.

“We’re waiting, we want to establish an advisory board. We want the community to know that there will be traffic, lunch places to eat, and we will do everything we can to preserve and expand this community,” Blackwell said. “We think it’s a great opportunity to do so.”

No one testified against the bill. Community input will be a big part of the move, Blackwell said.