A year later, no construction on St. Louis’ emergency 911 center despite ‘critical need’

ST. LOUIS (First Alert 4) - It’s been months since a moment of celebration — the groundbreaking of a new 911 dispatch center in North City.

But instead of construction crews and materials, that same space is filled with weeds. First Alert 4 Investigates is working to get answers about St. Louis City’s proposed 911 dispatch center, which is slated to spend millions of your tax dollars.

Since that groundbreaking in October, the site slated for construction remains bare. Clarence Hines, who used to run St. Louis’ police academy, said he left his position earlier this year due to the facility’s poor condition.

“For me, I was always embarrassed — embarrassed to host training in that facility,” Hines said.

Now, he questions how and why the City of St. Louis found $45 million for a new 17,000 square-foot 911 dispatch center — a project officials promised would enhance public safety.

“It is a lot of money, but I haven’t seen specs or blueprints to know what it will entail. But that’s a lot,” Hines said.

When asked if a state-of-the-art 911 dispatch center would change response times, Hines said, “No, not in my opinion. You need people to answer those calls and evaluate.”

First Alert 4 has reported on the city’s slow responses to emergencies several times over the past few years.

The proposed solution was a new 911 dispatch center to consolidate all city dispatch services under one roof, streamlining communication between police, fire, and EMS, officials said.

“This new 911 communication center will allow St. Louis to use the newest tech for the safety of our city. It will provide a stable, distraction-free space for police, fire, and EMS departments,” St. Louis Fire Chief Dennis Jenkerson said at the October groundbreaking.

Renderings obtained by First Alert 4 through the city’s Department of Public Safety show what the building is supposed to look like when completed. The city’s website states $25 million in ARPA funds are helping finance the project, along with $10 million from the state.

In December, the Board of Aldermen approved another $8.5 million for the dispatch center, raising the total estimated cost to $45 million.

But five months later, the only thing at 2741 Thomas Street, behind fencing and construction signage, is overgrown grass.

First Alert 4 has made multiple requests to city officials for updates. However, no one has agreed to speak on camera about the project

One key question remains: If no construction has started nearly a year later, why was an emergency agreement needed?

First Alert 4 obtained the emergency agreement the city signed with Kozeny-Wagner last June. It states that the city is in urgent need of a new public safety answering point due to “the severe public need for enhanced 911 response and emergency service” and “immediate deadlines for funding” required to proceed with construction.

Pat Kozeny and Board of Public Service President Richard Bradley signed the agreement on June 10, 2024. Then-Comptroller Darlene Green signed it the next day.

The contract price is listed at just over $21 million. A cost breakdown dated June 4 shows that amount covers only the structure — not doors, windows, 911 dispatch systems, communications tech, or security installations.

It’s still unclear whether those additional costs bring the total to $45 million.

First Alert 4 ed Kozeny-Wagner for comment. In an email response, Vice President Mike Kozeny declined to speak on camera and referred us to the city.

Hines said he simply believes first responders — and the public — deserve to know the truth.

First Alert 4 has also made requests to speak with Mayor Cara Spencer to ask whether her istration s the contract arranged by the previous istration.

Spencer has paused other deals orchestrated by her predecessor, Tishaura Jones, including the city’s private building stabilization program and a pause on Metro’s Greenline.

First Alert 4 asked if the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department would speak on the facility. “Questions related to the 911 center would best be answered by the Department of Public Safety,” Police Spokesperson Mitch McCoy said in a statement.

The city has previously told First Alert 4 that the construction of the 911 dispatch center is slated for completion in 2026.

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