GARDEN GROVE’S police headquarters is the site of the annual “Fallen Five” memorial ceremony honored GGPD officers killed in the line of duty (File photo).

A planned “Civic Center Community Engagement” program was unveiled at Tuesday’s meeting of the Garden Grove City Council, setting the stage for construction of a new police department building.

Starting later this month and into the rest of the year a website will be unveiled and community input sought about the future of the area radiating from Euclid Street and Garden Grove Boulevard, the traditional center of the city.

“First-and-foremost,” said Mayor Steve Jones, “we need a state-of-the-art police headquarters,” but added that the effort extended beyond that project and involves potential improvements in parks and other public facilities and programs to inject vitality into the civic center/downtown area.

Much of the funding for such improvements would come from the American Rescue Plan passed by Congress earlier this year, making nearly $50 million available for projects to help mitigate the effects – including economic – of the coronavirus pandemic on the city.

The police headquarters is part of the Public Safety building constructed in the 1970s and – according to Police Chief Tom DaRe – isn’t up to building codes or have adequate space or parking facilities. Also in the building is an Orange County Fire Authority fire station.

Also on Tuesday, the council voted in favor of a revised resolution expressing support and appreciation to Afghan refugees originated by Councilmember Diedre Tu-Ha Nguyen (District 3). Opposed was Councilmember Phat Bui (District 4) and Councilmember George Brietigam (District 1) abstained. Councilmember Stephanie Klopfenstein (District 5) was absent.

Bui and Brietigam withheld their support on the grounds that the resolution was symbolic and without effect.

The next city council meeting will be held on Oct. 26.