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Planning commission approves rezoning for Plain Township fire substation in New Albany
Summary
The New Albany Planning Commission unanimously approved a rezoning to allow Plain Township to build a fire substation on a 6.35‑acre portion of a 12.72‑acre site, adding conditions including engineering review and limits on lighting pole height; residents spoke in support.
The New Albany Planning Commission on Jan. 21 unanimously approved a rezoning that clears the way for a Plain Township fire substation on the west side of State Route 605.
Staff told the commission the request would rezone 6.35 acres of a 12.72‑acre parcel from Limited General Employment to Community Facilities to accommodate the Plain Township substation. Staff said the site plan proposes a barn‑style station with steel wall panels and a stone water table, 20 parking spaces, a curb cut to New Albany East, and preserved green space including a stream‑protection corridor.
Commission staff said the applicant submitted a traffic access study that has been updated to address prior comments and recommended approval. Staff also recommended conditions: relocating required plantings to the northwest corner, staff review of any proposed signage, photometric compliance, and a limit that light poles not exceed 30 feet and be metal and New Albany green or black. Commissioners added an additional condition requiring the applicant to meet engineering comments noted in the staff report.
The decision followed public support from nearby residents. Sandra Solano of Calloway Square West, who said she provided data during prior proceedings, told the commission she supports the proposal and said “public health will be well served to have easy access to the north part of the city for first responders.” Joel Topoloski, who lives at 6204 Callaway Square West and said his home will be among the closest to the station, said Nottingham Trace residents who opposed a prior bus‑depot plan “are very much for these” and praised the fire department. Bud Zapatelli, a longtime Plain Township resident, also urged approval.
Patrick Connor, fire chief for the Flint Township Fire Department, told the commission the current station has roughly 25 parking spaces and frequent shift overlaps that create demand; he said the proposed parking and sleeping‑quarter layout would meet operational needs without additional parking.
A commissioner moved to approve ZC AD 2025 based on staff findings and the conditions in the staff report, plus the added engineering condition; the motion passed with all votes in favor.
The rezoning approval allows the applicant to proceed to subsequent site‑plan steps subject to the listed conditions and engineering review.
