New fire station set for Jacksonville’s busiest growth area
First comes temporary Station No. 63, which should be set up before Christmas on
Then a permanent station will replace it nearby to serve the thousands of homes, apartments, businesses and shopping centers already there as well as others planned.
City Councilman
"It's been a blessing. Everybody has worked extremely hard to find property in this part of town, and you know how hard that is," Wilson said. "... That area of town is growing, as are call volumes for car wreck and typical medical stuff."
Becton and Wilson have previously stated a critical need for more fire and rescue units in an area bordered by
Station 28 at
"Between those two, we have four fire engines and three rescue units that run all day and all night," Wilson said.
Money was allocated in the 2017/18 city budget for Station No. 63, plus funds to set up a temporary station. For more than a year, Becton and fire officials have been searching for suitable two-acre sites for them, but they were too expensive or the wrong place for a busy station, Wilson said. But two possible sites ultimately turned up, Becton said.
"Having two options was considered a big deal in case the first site deal did not happen and fell through," Becton said. "It was the delay for several months that took us to vet the comparisons of the two sites as some complicated issues had to be resolved. On
That final agreement has been signed between the city and owner of the
"Everybody is putting the pressure on this," Wilson said. "The money is already in place. We have quotes and we are working through surveying and design with JEA now, since this is on a JEA easement."
___
(c)2018 The Florida Times-Union (Jacksonville, Fla.)
Visit The Florida Times-Union (Jacksonville, Fla.) at www.jacksonville.com
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Democrat Carl Brewer counts on inclusive approach, experience as mayor to woo voters
iXledger Launches Blockchain Insurance
Advisor News
Annuity News
Health/Employee Benefits News
Life Insurance News