A new facility for the 22nd District of the Philadelphia Police Department is under construction at the corner of 21st and Diamond streets in North Philadelphia. This marks the culmination of a lengthy debate over the best use of the block-long site, finally set to become the North Central Public Safety Building.
The investment for this project is significant, with a budget of $40 million dedicated to establishing a new police station for the district. Furthermore, the building will include a Police Athletic League (PAL) center—complete with a full-size gymnasium, classrooms, and a community room designed for neighborhood events and programs.
In addition to housing police services, this development will also enhance the area with new parks and green spaces, public parking, and a fueling station for city vehicles. The completion of this project is anticipated by the fall of 2027.
Pedro Pinto, the deputy director of project management for the city’s Capital Program Office, emphasized the collaborative efforts that shaped the project. “We were able to provide a better product here by working together with the communities, with the architects, with the key stakeholders, to deliver this project in a way that meets the needs of the residents that we’re serving,” Pinto stated.
The initiative for this building has its roots in a 2017 master plan, which identified the current police station on 17th Street as the least adequate in the department’s portfolio. City officials argued for a more centrally located station, intending to enhance response times in a district known for its high call volume.
However, the initial proposal faced significant opposition in 2020 amid nationwide protests following the killing of George Floyd. The Philadelphia Historical Commission rejected the earlier plan that lacked the inclusion of the PAL center, which led to the suspension of the project. Residents expressed concerns about inadequate community engagement, alongside reservations about situating a police facility in a residential neighborhood.
Three years later, in November 2023, a new proposal, which incorporated a PAL center and other community amenities, received the Historical Commission’s approval, reversing the previous decision. This plan was supported by the local registered community organization and became a priority for former City Council President Darrell Clarke.
The construction, initially set to kick off in the summer of 2023, faced delays as developers sought to adjust plans based on community feedback, with Pinto highlighting the adjustments made to PAL and exterior spaces.
Despite the support the project has garnered, it has not been without controversy. Some residents welcome the new facilities as essential community resources, while others oppose the idea of establishing a police station within the Diamond Street Historic District, an area known for its architecturally significant rowhouses and churches dating back to the late 19th century.
Critics argue that this modern complex diverts focus from a pressing need for affordable housing within the community. “When you have people who have been redlined, disrespected and discriminated against and treated as trash, you’re just giving them another excuse not to trust the city,” remarked Gail Loney, a block captain who resides nearby.
In November 2023, an appeal brought forth by residents against the historical commission’s approval of the project was dismissed by a city panel, which ruled that the commission had adhered to the proper procedures in reaching its decision. Subsequently, the Zoning Board of Adjustment approved the necessary use variances for the North Central Public Safety Building, allowing construction to proceed.
A groundbreaking ceremony is projected for July, marking the official start of this pivotal development in the neighborhood.
image source from：whyy
