June 12, 1989

Fire station becomes hot issue

       The proposed site for a new fire station in White River Township has turned into a burning issue.  But before it gets too hot to handle, residents and fire district officials need to douse the growing animosity.  White River Township Volunteer Fire Department officials want to build their second fire station on the Schreckengast farm just west of the Indiana Railroad tracks at 3780 W. Fairview Road.  The 33.3 acre site is zoned for residential use, and the fire department has petitioned the Johnson County Board of Zoning Appeals for a special exception that would allow the fire station to be built.

         Area residents met last Friday, though, and vowed to fight the zoning change.  The neighbors claim the proposed station would lower their property values and create potential traffic problems.  Even though most of the property lies in a flood plain where construction is prohibited, some residents fear the fire department could sell off part of the land for commercial development if the county grants the zoning change.  The White River Township area is among the fastest growing residential communities in central Indiana.  New homes, often expensive homes, are being constructed in upscale subdivisions each year.  These new homes have put additional demands on local government agencies to serve the new residents.  No one has been affected more than the White River Township Volunteer Fire Department.

         In order to maintain quality fire protection service, the department formed a fire protection district.  This enabled fire officials to raise money through taxation for additional equipment.  A new fire station is needed to protect lives and property.  With only one station now, the department’s response time often can be between six and eight minutes.  In an emergency, every minute counts.  To resolve this matter, the residents and White River fire officials ought to meet and work out a reasonable solution.  Unlike last Friday, residents should listen to firefighters and discuss this matter.  It’s concerning that both sides have hired attorneys to fight this matter.  It doesn’t belong in court.  Both sides can keep this fire from getting out of control.
 
 

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