Mayor Cherelle Parker and other city leaders broke ground Tuesday on the North Central Public Safety complex, moving forward a contested, years-long effort to build a new police station on Diamond Street.
The $40 million facility will incorporate a new home for the 22nd Police District and a Police Athletic League center that includes a full-size gym, classrooms and community space across more than 30,000 square feet. It’s a first-of-its-kind arrangement in Philadelphia.
“The impact this will have on this community and these young people is going to be absolutely amazing,” said Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel, adding that he grew up going to a PAL center…