The Oregon Planning Commission voted against a variance for the fire station’s expansion, impacting future city development plans.
Oregon: The Oregon Fire Protection District’s plan to expand its fire station hit a snag. The Planning Commission decided not to recommend the variance needed for the project.
During a public meeting, the commission voted 4-3 against the proposal. They’re the ones who advise the City Council, which will make the final call.
The current fire station, built in 1985, is located right by the Rock River. It’s been part of the River Front Commercial District since 2016.
City Manager Darin DeHaan explained that while the existing building is grandfathered in, any major changes require a variance.
The fire district wants to expand because the current setup is considered “nonconforming.” They’re looking at a $4.1 million renovation to make things better.
Fire Chief Michael Knoup mentioned that the expansion is crucial for fitting larger emergency vehicles and providing better living quarters for the staff.
Right now, they have two buildings for their equipment, but consolidating everything would make operations smoother and response times quicker.
Knoup pointed out that moving the station would be too expensive for taxpayers. Starting fresh could cost between $8 million and $10 million, plus they’d need to find a new spot.
He emphasized that every minute counts in emergencies, especially since they rescued 26 people from the river last year.
Since the station opened, the number of calls has skyrocketed from 400 in 1985 to 1,200 last year, with most being ambulance requests.
Some commission members and nearby residents argued that the fire station should be moved out of the commercial district. They believe it could hinder future development along the riverfront.
One resident, Kim Krug, expressed concerns that expanding the station would block views and stall growth in the area. She suggested relocating the fire department to support future projects.
Her husband, City Commissioner Tim Krug, echoed her sentiments, saying the current expansion plan doesn’t fit the vision for the river district.
He believes the existing building could be redesigned to better match the area’s aesthetic, rather than going for a modern look.
In the end, four members voted against the variance, while three were in favor. Some felt more options should have been explored.
After the meeting, Knoup said he’d take the decision back to his board for further discussion. The City Council will meet again soon to address the issue.
