July 10, 2007
Tuesday

Ketchikan, Alaska - Five members of the South Tongass Service Area Board voted unanimously to approve a new location for the South Tongass Volunteer Fire Department. If approved for a rezone, construction will begin September 2007 at Seawatch Subdivision, land provided by the Ketchikan Gateway Borough.

Fire Chief Scott Davis outlined four property options based on the following criteria: location must be centralized for top optimization of emergency response, adequate sized lot for apparatus vehicles and equipment, easy access to South Tongass Highway and adequate facilities to accommodate two paid staff and a total of fifty-five volunteer Fire Fighters and Emergency Medical Service Technicians. It was concluded that the Seawatch property is the only property that meets these requirements.

The South Tongass Service Area Board of Directors has taken the approved land initiative to the Ketchikan Gateway Borough Planning and Zoning Department for a request of rezone from Low-Density Residential (RL) to Public Lands and Institutions (PLI). The Ketchikan Gateway Borough Planning Commission/Platting Board will conduct a public hearing on Tuesday, July 10th, 2007, at 6 pm in the City of Ketchikan Council Chambers.

Residents of Jurgen Drive, Teddy Lane and Seawatch voiced concerns over a lack of communication with those directly affected by the new location and increased noise close to their property. The South Tongass Volunteer Fire Department has sent out numerous flyers to Seawatch residents and will increase efforts to communicate with residents of Teddy Lane and Jurgen Drive. The Department will also discuss options to decrease noise concerns, such as creating a buffer zone between the adjacent properties.

According to a news release, the South Tongass Volunteer Fire Department is eager to work with the community on this project to ensure that the Community Fire Station adequately serves the needs of public safety and community members. Planning committee participation is open to the public.

Source of News:

South Tongass Volunteer Fire Department

 

SitNews ©2007
Stories In The News
Ketchikan, Alaska