Proposed Police Station

Current Police Station Overview

• Location: 1400 Cook Avenue, Seabrook, Texas 77586
• Year Built: 1996

Identified Limitations

• Floodplain Risks:
  • The station is located in a flood-prone area and has sustained storm-related damage in the past, including Hurricane Ike.
• Space Constraints:
  • The building’s size no longer meets the department’s needs due to growth in staff and services since 1996.
• Evidence Room:
  • The evidence storage area is severely undersized for current capacities. This includes evidence classified as permanent records, which the state requires to be retained indefinitely.
• Design Inefficiencies in Security-Prone Areas:
  • Jail doors open inward, creating potential safety hazards.
  • Gun safes are located within the jail area, limiting secure access.
  • The booking area lacks a security perimeter, leaving it open and exposed.
• Outdated Facilities:
  • The current facility has limited locker space for officers.
  • There is only one male and one female shower available for 47 employees.
  • The dispatch area is undersized, with no space for a supervisor officer.
  • There is no private area for mental health consultations or sufficient break areas for staff.
• Parking Lot Challenges:
  • The current parking lot configuration creates logistical challenges due to its retrofitted and disconnected design.
• Officer Ingress/Egress:
  • The station lacks secure entry and exit points for officers.

Community and Department Growth

Since the station’s construction in 1996, both Seabrook’s population and the Seabrook Police Department have grown significantly:

• Population Growth:
  • 1990: 6,600 residents
  • 2025: Approximately 14,000 residents (106% increase)
• Department Growth:
  • 1992: 25 employees
  • 2025: 47.5 employees (74% increase)
• Expanded Services:
  To meet community needs, the department has added several specialized divisions, including:
  • Detective Division
  • Bike Patrol
  • Community Outreach
• Increased Call Volume:
  • 2020: 9,700 calls for service annually
  • 2025: 14,500 calls for service annually (50% increase)
• Traffic Growth:
  • TxDOT data shows a 56% increase in daily traffic through Seabrook due to the SH 146 expansion.

Risk Factors Identified

• Storm and Flood Risk:
  • After Hurricane Ike, the police station was identified as a critical facility for relocation due to its location in a floodplain. During the storm, the department experienced significant equipment and operational losses.
• Inability to Expand:
  • The current facility’s location and design do not allow for expansion to meet the needs of Seabrook’s growing population and increased calls for service.
• Layout and Security Issues:
  • The facility’s layout and space limitations impact operational efficiency.

  • Security concerns have been identified due to the building’s age and design.

Additional Information

This information is being provided as a resource for residents to understand the challenges facing the current police station and the factors contributing to the proposed bond project.

Site 1 - Lakeside Traffic Circle Area

Site 1 is located on Lakeshore Drive, near the Children's Lighthouse daycare facility. This property is owned by the City of Seabrook, which eliminates the need to acquire land and avoids requiring a detention element during the construction process.

Key attributes of Site 1 include:

• Central Location: The site is centrally situated within the City of Seabrook, providing convenient access for emergency response across the community.
• Floodplain Zoning: The property is zoned in FEMA Floodplain Zones AE13 and X, with current elevations ranging from 12 to 13 feet. This makes it possible to build above the base flood elevation for compliance with safety standards.

This location offers strategic advantages, including city ownership and suitability for construction, while maintaining accessibility for public safety operations.

Site 2 - Corner of E. Meyer and SH 146

Site 2 is located at the corner of SH 146 and E. Meyer, near the Seabrook Volunteer Fire Department and across from McDonald’s.

Key attributes of Site 2 include:

• Central Location: The site is centrally positioned within the City of Seabrook, ensuring quick access to emergency response and community services.
• Floodplain Zoning: The property is situated in FEMA Floodplain Zone X, which generally has reduced flood risk. However, detention would be required during construction to meet drainage requirements.
• Ownership Status and Cost: This property is not currently owned by the City of Seabrook. The estimated cost for the City to acquire the land is approximately $3 million, and this figure does not include the additional cost of adding the required detention infrastructure.

While Site 2 offers strategic benefits due to its location near key public safety facilities, considerations such as acquisition costs and construction requirements must be evaluated.