While they’re not letting a little thing like not having a permanent home stop them from doing their job, Fort Worth police officers in the West Seventh Street area would still like a place to call home.
And plans are still in the works to provide a new Fort Worth Police Department substation in that area. In the meantime, the Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD) is lending a hand, or home.
The Fort Worth City Council on Aug. 28 approved a temporary lease agreement between the city and the water district for about 9,400 square feet of space at 308 Arthur St.
The Seventh Street detail officers have been primarily working out of an RV to keep them in the detail area, Public Information Officer Brandon O’Neil said.
“Seeking an area for parking some vehicles, bicycle storage space, restrooms and report-writing areas for the officers has been challenging in such a limited capacity area as Seventh Street,” he said.
On March 20, the council approved a lease agreement with RioKim Montgomery LP for space in Montgomery Plaza at 2600 W. Seventh St, but that plan fell through.
“Fortunately, looking around the immediate vicinity it was discovered TRWD had some nearby office space not currently being utilized,” O’Neil said.
The water district offered the property on Arthur Street as a temporary location until a permanent location can be found. The district will not charge rent, and the police department will cover the cost for IT installations and minor space renovations if needed.
The agreement is for two years, starting Sept. 1 and ending on Aug. 31, 2020, with a pair of one-year renewal options. The police department will be responsible for its proportional share of utility costs, along with minor repairs and maintenance to the leased space.
“Our goal is to keep the officers in the detail area and available for calls as much as possible during their shift,” O’Neil said. “We are very excited at this development and always appreciate the partnership with TRWD and their support for the Fort Worth community.”