Resident concerns over fire-station expansion as Decatur City Council approves rezoning 3-2

The Decatur City Council on March 2 approved an ordinance rezoning 112 Oxmore Flint Road Southwest to an institutional district to accommodate an expanded facility for the Flint Volunteer Fire Department, despite objections from nearby residents.

At a public hearing, Rachel Keith, who lives at 113 Oxmore Flint Road across from the property, told the council she and neighbors learned only recently of detailed plans for a proposed 9,600-square-foot station. She said the expansion raised concerns about increased traffic on a narrow street without sidewalks, more volunteer response and personal vehicles, vehicles left on-site for extended periods and around-the-clock noise. "We simply are asking for smart planning, long thinking about the long-term planning, transparency and consideration for the safety of the neighborhood where we live," Keith said.

A representative of the Flint Volunteer Fire Department told the council the department does not anticipate a sustained increase in call volume but described internal operational needs that would be addressed by a larger facility: space for filling air bottles for SCBAs, commercial washer/dryer capacity to launder gear, parking to support storm-shelter use and room for community rental space. The representative said the department previously purchased the adjacent lot and plans to retain the current building, adding a larger facility beside it if rezoned.

Council members discussed the property's history and previous city sale intent, storm-shelter capacity and whether expansion is justified if dispatch call volume is steady. Some council members said a prior sale intended the parcel for fire-department use. After debate the council voted to approve the rezoning by roll call, with the motion carrying 3-2.

The ordinance drew extended public and council attention because it affects a residential block and includes existing storm shelters that neighbors said can hold large numbers of people. The council record shows at least one member voiced support based on the property's prior intended use and long-standing presence of the volunteer station; another said the neighborhood meeting and applicant responses were helpful but concerns remain about training activity and vehicle storage.

Next steps: the rezoning ordinance was approved at the meeting and will enable the fire department to pursue design and permitting for the additional facility. The council did not provide a detailed construction timeline at the meeting.