The Kannapolis City Council has approved funds to construct a new Fire Station 2 and to do renovations to Fire Station 3. Members of City Council recently heard a presentation from Fire Chief Ernie Hiers on the facility needs of the Fire Department.
The City has five stations: Station 1on Firehouse Drive, Station 2 on Richard Avenue, Station 3 on Florida Avenue, Station 4 on Stewart Street, and Station 5 on Barr Road.
Fire Station 2 was built in 1963. With only 1,838 square feet, it was originally designed as a volunteer fire station with no living quarters for fire personnel and it only has one bay to house a fire truck. The building is now over 50 years old and has inadequate work space areas, and living quarters for staff. The station also cannot adequately accommodate fire trucks and other fire service equipment.
Fire Chief Hiers recommended constructing a new fire station on the same site as the current station. The cost for construction is expected to be $3.9 million.
Fire Station 3 was built 48 years old ago in 1967 and has 3,082 square feet and two bays to house fire trucks. Additional space is needed for both personnel and equipment. The facility also needs structural repairs such as a new roof. Fire Chief Hiers recommended renovations and additions to this station at a cost of $1.2 million.
Fire Station 1 is also in need of renovations and Station 4, which is the City’s oldest station – it was built 60 years ago, will need to be replaced in the future. Station 5 was built in 2009 and does not need any renovations at this time. Council approved the improvements to Fire Station 2 and 3 and will discuss the other stations’ needs at a later time. Staff will proceed with designing the facility and construction could begin in 2017. Funding will come from the City’s budget and will not result in a property tax increase.