Residents raise concerns about Edy Road firehouse location; mayor says city favors three-station model and owns site

Council members and residents raised questions about emergency response coverage related to a proposed new fire station on Edy Road during the Aug. 25 meeting.

Ms. Tener summarized citizen concerns that moving or closing a west-side station could leave areas such as Cedar Hill Road, Hunter Trace and Twin Creek underserved because of terrain and multiple railroad crossings. Mayor McDaniel said the city is evaluating whether to maintain a four-firehouse model or move to a three-firehouse model, and that the current recommendation leans toward three stations but is not final.

McDaniel said the city already owns a property on Edy Road valued at approximately $500,000, which would avoid acquisition costs, and that the northern part of the city — including River Valley Highlands — is currently underserved and should see improved response times with the new location. He said the city and county have submitted grant applications for federal funding to widen Edy Road and replace two bridges to improve access.

On staffing, Ms. Tener noted Lancaster currently staffs three paramedics per medic team and suggested two-person teams could be considered; McDaniel said Lancaster’s three-paramedic squads provide a high level of service and that staffing models remain under discussion. Service Safety Director Woody recommended making the fire department’s response-time study available to the public and suggested Fire Chief Schultz could share the analysis.

No final decision on station locations or staffing was made at the meeting; the mayor and staff said the models and funding options remain under study.