April 30, 1989

White River Township fire station opposed

       About 30 residents of White River Township spoke out Wednesday against the proposed location of a new fire station.  The township’s volunteer fire department is planning to buy and convert a farmhouse and barn on a 33 acre tract, located at 3780 Fairview Road, into a fire facility.  Robert Boyer, chairman of the board for White River Fire District, outlined the proposal, referring to a study prepared seven years ago by Purdue University.  He said the study assessed the needs of White River Township and ranked fire protection as the top priority.  He noted that locating a station on the 33 acre farm would solve the fire protection needs of the northern portion of the township.

         The township currently has only one fire station, at 1086 Runyon Road.  However, several people living near the proposed site said it is not suitable for a fire station, Bill Sumner, whose home is adjacent to the property, said traffic is already a problem on Fairview Road.  He contended that a fire station would add to the problems.  “You can’t tell me this is a safe place to put a fire department.”  Other questioned why such a large amount of land was being acquired by the fire department.  They feared the land might be used for commercial development.

         Fire Chief Howard Bennis said the extra land would have to be rezoned before it could be used for commercial purposes.  He said the fire department was only seeking a variance from county zoning laws to operate a fire station in a residential area.  He said the Johnson County Board of Zoning Appeals and not the county plan commission will act on the request.  The zoning appeals board will hear the variance request April 11.  Jane Byers, who lives across the street from the proposed site, expressed concerns about its effect on property values and the appearance it would give the area.  Boyer, though, contended a station would increase property values because fire trucks would be closer for quicker responses to fires.

         “We want to put it in a place where it serves the public best,” he said, adding that any construction of fire facilities on the land would match existing buildings on the 33 acre tract.  Boyer offered to establish a committee with residents to determine what any new structures should look like.  The fire department plans to spend about $240,000 for the land and $60,000 for remodeling the farm house and barn for fire facilities and a new structure linking the barn and house.  Bargersville and White River Township fire departments provide protection to residents.  The dividing line is County Road 700 North.
 
 

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