Wake Forest approves special-use permit for new Fire Station No. 6 and training facility

The Wake Forest Board of Commissioners approved a special-use permit (SUP-24-02) for a new fire station and training facility located at 1621 and 1701 Waite Avenue after a quasi‑judicial hearing in which town staff and several expert witnesses testified under oath. The board admitted the staff report, architectural renderings, site plans and expert memoranda into the record and voted to approve the permit unanimously.

The permit covers a roughly 4.48‑acre site on the north side of Waite Avenue. Town planning staff member Patrick Reedy presented the staff report, identifying the addresses and parcel details and outlining the eight findings required by the Unified Development Ordinance for special‑use permits. “This property is on the North side of Waite Avenue … the addresses are 1621 and 1701 Waite Avenue,” Reedy said as he described the site and surrounding zoning.

Why it matters: Town and fire department witnesses said the station will improve emergency response and provide local live‑fire training that Wake Forest currently obtains offsite. Fire consultant Greg Grayson and Chief Ron Early said a local training facility would reduce travel for annual live‑fire practice, help maintain the town’s insurance and public‑safety standards, and support firefighters’ readiness as the town grows.

The hearing included sworn expert testimony addressing each UDO finding. Chief Ron…