NEWS

Meridian fire station groundbreaking 'new milestone'

Dawn Parker
Lansing State Journal
Meridian Township Fire Chief Frederick Cowper holds a photograph of the groundbreaking of the original central fire station while speaking Tuesday at the groundbreaking for the new central fire station at Okemos Road and Central Park Drive. Cowper said the photo will hang in the new fire station.

MERIDIAN TWP. – On a spring morning in April 1957, five men with shovels gathered to break ground for what was then the new Central Fire Station.

When the newest Central Fire Station opens later this year, a photo of the original groundbreaking will hang in a place of honor.

"Today we celebrate a visible beginning, a new milestone in the journey of the Meridian Township Fire Department," Fire Chief Frederick Cowper said at Tuesday's ceremonial groundbreaking on the site at Central Park Drive and Okemos Road.

The new station, with an estimated cost of just over $3 million, is expected to open by Dec. 15. The 10,800 square foot building will include three equipment bays, offices, separate sleeping quarters for male and female personnel and a community meeting room.

"I think it will be inspiring," Cowper said of the new station, "and certainly it is going to be critically needed."

Meridian Township officials do the ceremonial groundbreaking Tuesday for the new fire station on Okemos Road at Central Park Drive.

The groundbreaking turns a page on what has been a contentious journey.

Voters approved a $3.5 million millage issue in November 2012.

In August 2013, residents of the nearby Autumn Park Condominiums mounted the first of many legal challenges, all of which were ultimately dismissed.

Autumn Park residents have steadfastly opposed the new station, saying the complex to be built across Central Park Drive from their homes will diminish their quality of life and affect their property values.

One appeal stemmed from a March 24, 2014 decision by the planning commission to approve a site plan and special use permit for the project, with Autumn Park residents arguing a review was not done at the proper time.

Residents also contended five township board trustees had unlawfully persuaded planning commission members to vote for the site plan and permit.

Members of the Meridian Township fire department look out over the site of the new central fire station Tuesday before the groundbreaking ceremony for the station.

The former Central Fire Station at 2150 Clinton Street closed in February 2014 due to extensive mold and water damage, among other factors. A temporary station has been maintained for the past year at the township service center.

The court battle came at a cost to the township, with a total legal bill of more than $50,000.

Construction workers build a tree protection fence Tuesday on the site of the new Meridian Township central fire station.