Wednesday, November 4, 2009

P&Z OKs Woodside fire station

$1.6 million in stimulus funds sought for construction

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By TONY EVANS
Express Staff Writer

The Hailey Planning and Zoning Commission signed off Monday on designs for a new fire station in Woodside subdivision. Fire Chief Mike Chapman hopes to build another station at the north end of town. Courtesy graphic

Plans for a long-awaited fire station in Woodside passed muster at the Hailey Planning and Zoning Commission on Monday.

The P&Z unanimously approved designs and a conditional use permit for the planned $2 million facility at the corner of Woodside Boulevard and Countryside Boulevard.

"This has been a recognized need for a while," said Commissioner Michael Pogue, who was sitting in for Owen Scanlon as chairman.

The city is seeking $1.6 million in federal stimulus funds to help pay for the new station. Hailey Fire Chief Mike Chapman said the City Council has authorized spending up to $600,000 out of the city's capital fund for the balance of the project.

Chapman said the new building is designed to last 50 years. He said it would complement another station, which he hopes to build near Albertsons grocery store on the north side of Hailey. He said the department would then decommission the 30-year-old station on Third Street.

The 32-foot tall, concrete and wood fire station would have room for four fire-fighting vehicles, a 20- seat meeting and training room, four offices, a dining area, fitness room and bunkhouse.

"This would be a substation, not a replacement station or headquarters," said Chapman, who said he would relocate most of the administration offices from the existing headquarters to the new facility, if and when it is built.

"This would provide good fire coverage for the city for the next 40 years," he said.

The Hailey City Council initiated fire department consolidation talks this summer, but Chapman said there has been no discussion yet about the possibility of sharing the facility with other fire-fighting agencies.

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· In other Hailey news, the P&Z extended an informal workshop to gather public comment on Colorado Gulch Preserve, a proposed 90-unit development and annexation on Broadford Road south of Hailey.

Tony Evans: tevans@mtexpress.com