Board approves special exception for EMS station in Glade to improve coverage

County planner Mr. Richardson outlined the county's need for an EMS facility to serve the Glade area and described a conceptual building in the Late Highlands Industrial Park (M-2 zoned). He said call data from 2023–24 show responses spread across the area and that the proposed site would position the station for quicker responses to Route 11 and Interstate corridors. "They knew the community needed it," Richardson said of property owners who spoke in favor and offered utility access.

A public commenter supported the request, calling the location "a good location for this facility" and noting the station would serve calls that currently travel toward Damascus and southern sectors. The planning commission recommended the special exception 6–0. The board moved, seconded and recorded a unanimous 7–0 vote to grant the special exception.

County staff noted that a specific site plan and interior details remain to be finalized; construction and final siting will follow required permitting and design work. Later in the meeting the county administrator reported he had signed federal paperwork to obligate federal funds toward the Glade EMS station to ensure the county does not lose earmarked dollars.