COUNCIL PUTS OFF DECISION ON TEMPORARY LAPD SITE.

Byline: James Nash Staff Writer

The Los Angeles City Council on Tuesday postponed approving about $95 million to buy a downtown office building that would serve as a temporary headquarters for the Los Angeles Police Department.

Some council members asked whether the Transamerica complex at 1149 S. Broadway was the best deal for a building to house the LAPD during the 4 1/2 years it will take to replace the aging Parker Center headquarters.

Council members then recessed into closed session and postponed their decision until Dec. 2.

Some critics said the deal smacked of cronyism because the building is owned by former basketball star Earvin ``Magic'' Johnson and a business partner who financially supported the campaigns of Mayor James Hahn and City Council members. The officials denied the charges.

The 490,000-square-foot building is priced at $50 million. Officials estimate they would need $30 million for communication equipment and furniture and $15 million on financing the purchase through bonds.

After the LAPD returns to Parker Center, Los Angeles is expected to save $8 million a year by moving departments such as sanitation and engineering from rented offices downtown to the Broadway tower, Chief Legislative Analyst Ron Deaton said.

James Nash, [phone]

james.nash(at)dailynews.com