In the heart of Bradenton's Washington Park neighborhood sits one of the city police department's substations. On Dec. 12, the front door to that substation was locked, and a dumpster overtaking its driveway.

  • Substation on 6th Street E. in need of repairs
  • City evaluating paying for repairs or putting structure to new use
  • Residents disagree on continuing need for substation

The substation, located for years on 6th St. E just east of the Tropicana factory, is now in need of repairs. City officials are evaluating if it will keep putting money into it or eventually find a new use for the building.

It's a discussion that the city's Economic Development Director says is ongoing.

Neighbors say the substation is not staffed consistently, with officers dropping in and out occasionally. Gyriel Price, who lives nearby, told us he doesn't see the value of the substation.

"The only thing that's in there is computers," Price explained. "There's not no bed in there, there's not no nothing. There's barely stuff in there, so what is it used for?"

While it's not staffed consistently, other residents believe it has its place. The substation opened during a period of high crime in the neighborhood, and while the area's reputation is slowly changing. Diane Bohner, who lives across the street, said it's still dealing with speeding and loitering problems, and the police substation is crucial in keeping the area safe.

"It keeps those that would be causing trouble out of the area," she said.

Other neighbors feel the building, which is a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom structure, would be best used for someone in need.