Wayne Township Exploring New Fire Station

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This 4 acre area at the southeast corner of Morris and Washington could be the new home of station 882.

Photo by Jay Thompson
(posted Nov 16)

The Wayne Township Fire Department is exploring the possibility of building a new fire station about three blocks to west of Station 882, located at 5401 W. Washington Street.

The board voted 5-2 to approve an "expression of interest" resolution to talk to the property owners of the five parcels at Washington and Morris, and obtain two appraisals. The township has the power to use eminent domain to acquire the properties if the owners are not interested in selling.

During the board's discussion of the resolution, board member Lisa Bentley asked if the approval could be limited to discussion only with the property owners, and not seek appraisals at this time. One of the issues brought up was deciding whose budget would pay for the appraisals. Township Trustee David Baird said the cost of the appraisals could be split between the fire department and township trustee's budget because the future building could be used as a multi-purpose facility to serve the township.

Baird said the proposed plans could include a community room, a police precinct, community prosecutor office and a med-check annex.

"That is a conversation for a whole another meeting. And I think a lot depends upon the legislature in the next couple of years before we start building," Bentley said.

She said she did not have problems with talking to the owners, but did not want to pursue building with the possibility of consolidation.

President Roger Bowser said the properties have been empty for awhile and did not expect the property to be sold within the near future. He did not want to waste taxpayers' money on appraisals if construction is not going to happen with the possibility that the township government might not even exist next year.

Fire Chief Larry Alcorn told the board the department will be making about 300 fewer medical runs each year now that the airport has moved to Decatur township.

"And there is a rush on this," Bowser said.

"Yes, we would like to get it going. The station we have is in need of serious repair," Baird said.

Baird contended the township government has an obligation to its residents not to operate out of a station in need of repairs.

Baird did not want to limit the resolution to only talking to the owners because he wanted to know the market values as well as the asking prices.

Baird disagreed with board member Earl Salisbury's recommendation of using the assessed values just to get an estimate of what the property would cost to buy, instead of seeking appraisals . Baird said it would not be legal to rely on assessed values because state law requires two certified appraisers. He insisted "things need to move forward."

"In 48 days you are going to have a new board, Mr. Trustee, that will probably be more than willing to do what you want," Bowser said.