Residents press commission on Fire Station 6 site; chief reports project progress

During public comment Ben Nigam, representing multiple homeowners in the South Bay development, urged the commission to reconsider the proposed Fire Station 6 location at Burley Avenue and Calypso Avenue, saying the site is "a quiet almost rural setting" and that the proposed station would negatively affect neighborhood character and properties. Nigam suggested an alternate city‑owned property at Burley Avenue and Boston Drive that he said would be less intrusive and more central to the South Side.[Direct quote in transcript: "We are concerned with the proposed location at Burley Avenue and Calypso... We would ask that you reconsider the location to a less intrusive spot."]

A subsequent commenter (identified in the transcript as "bridal clip full") spoke in favor of the proposed Burley/Calypso site, saying it provides quick response times for Southport and nearby areas and supports both fire and emergency medical responses.

Later in the meeting the fire chief provided an update on Fire Station 6: staff have been working with public works, selected EAPC as the architect (noting "EAPC, Ellen and Brett are here tonight"), and are coordinating growth projections and infrastructure analysis. The chief said the department has engaged public outreach to answer neighborhood questions about operations and siren use and emphasized the department’s intent to "be a good neighbor." No formal site decision or action to change the proposed site was recorded at the Sept. 23 meeting.

Next steps: design work and cost estimating continue and staff will continue community engagement with neighbors and relevant departments.