Council moves ahead with Ross Bridge fire station plans
As Hoover continues to grow, residences are being built farther away from the city's nine fire stations with increasing frequency. In its attempt to protect the residents of Ross Bridge, the City of Hoover is moving to add a 10th fire station located inside the community.
Construction of the facility is planned for a site off Greenside Way at the Village Center in Ross Bridge. The plan also includes completing Greenside Way and constructing a parking area in the Village Center.
"Mileage creates two things," Hoover Mayor Gary Ivey said. "Distance from a fire station causes insurance ratings to go down, which can be a financial burden on citizens. But more importantly, it creates a response time issue we can’t allow."
During its regular meeting Feb. 3, Hoover City Council authorized Mayor Gary Ivey to execute a Development Agreement with Daniel Ross Bridge, LLC on the development of the station, execute an agreement with Dungan Nequette Architects, Inc. regarding design plans and execute agreement with Alabama Engineering Company, Inc. regarding design development and site development plans.
According to the Fiscal Year 2014 budget, the City anticipates spending $2.3 million on the project. City Executive Director Allen Pate said he anticipates construction to begin by May 2014 and finish by June 2015.
Currently, a temporary structure is housing a truck at the site.
In other business, the Council:
• Authorized Ivey to execute a Preliminary Engineering Agreement with Goodwyn Mills & Cawood, Inc. for Chapel Road Sidewalks project along Chapel Road from Park Avenue to Stone Brook Parkway. The project has been approved by ALDOT and is reimbursable.