Site plans for $6 million new Fire Station No. 4 up for a vote next month
Final site plans for the new Fire Station No. 4, to be located off Duplex Road, is currently being considered by Spring Hill city planners.
The proposed structure, estimated to cost about $6 million, will include a 17,300 -square-foot station, along with 44 parking spaces.
The Spring Hill Fire Department is currently facing many needs, one being the need for a new station, as well as a need for hiring new firefighters, funds for necessary equipment, as well as pay for current firefighters working overtime.
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The new 17,023 square-foot station's proposed design, created by Renaissance Group consulting firm, will keep the traditional fire hall look and feel, but with many more resources available for staff, as well as office space for Spring Hill Police personnel. This includes individual dorm rooms for staff, four drive-thru bays, spaces for training and an in-house gym.
Other features include a commercial kitchen, as well as a conference room that doubles as an emergency storm shelter. The station will also be dedicated to the memory of former firefighter Mitchell Earwood, who died May 3, 2020 while off duty.
If approved, Fire Station No. 4 is set to be operational by late 2024.
James Kelly, representing applicant Renaissance Group, said one of the main issues at this point is in regards to landscaping and fencing around the perimeter.
As far as the site's design, Fire Chief Graig Temple said the new station will be of high quality. It will also be founded in honor of former firefighter Mitchell Earwood, who died May 3, 2020 while off duty. His tribute includes an "eternal flame" that will be kept in a fire pit/gathering area in the back.
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"There's going to be an eternal flame that is gas-fed, and that's because one of the things he liked to do was to cook out and be with friends," Temple said. "So we are encouraging all of our staff, since this will be a gathering point when people aren't out on calls, to be out in his remembrance."
Since Monday's planning commission meeting was a work session, no votes were taken on the site plan, but it will reappear at the board's June 12 regular meeting.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Herald: New Spring Hill Fire Station site plans up for a vote
