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What is the proposal?
Orion Fire Protection District trustees are considering expansion of the fire station in the spring.
The additional space behind the existing station would be used for meeting and training rooms, and perhaps to host 150 people for get-togethers and receptions, as well as for a warming center during power outages.
“We’re trying to better the community and better the district,” Trustee Jerry Sheldon said.
Where would 150 people park?
The fire protection district has asked the Village of Orion about putting gravel on village-owned property behind the Orion True Value Hardware store.
This would serve as a parking lot.
What do village officials think?
At the village board meeting on Monday, Oct. 3, Village Trustee Mel Drucker urged caution in examining the proposal.
He pointed out a sewer main runs across the proposed parking lot, as well as other utility lines.
Also, village employees dump snow on the lot during winter.
Trustee Dale “Sarge” Stiles said he did not want to say if he were for or against the idea, but he reminded the trustees that wasements would guarantee access to utility lines even if the area is used for parking.
Trustees Jamie Lawson and Robert “Deano” O’Leary both said the area behind the fire station does not look like the right spot for a community center.
Village Clerk Lori Sampson would like to see the plans for the expansion, and where it sits in relation to the proposed parking area.
Drucker also said he is uncomfortable with a tax-supported entity, such as the fire station, competing with private businesses that rent space for events.
John Ames, village attorney, said leasing the property to the fire district would be a better idea than selling it.
WANT TO KNOW ABOUT SOMETHING?
Is there something going on you’d like to know more about?
WEBSITE: http://www.oriongazette.com/submit-news. MAil: Orion Gazette, P.O. Box 400, Orion IL 61273. Office: 1018 Fourth Street, Orion. E-Mail: oriongazette1@frontiernet.net. Phone: (309) 526-8085. Fax: (309) 526-3065.
What is the proposal?
Orion Fire Protection District trustees are considering expansion of the fire station in the spring.
The additional space behind the existing station would be used for meeting and training rooms, and perhaps to host 150 people for get-togethers and receptions, as well as for a warming center during power outages.
“We’re trying to better the community and better the district,” Trustee Jerry Sheldon said.
Where would 150 people park?
The fire protection district has asked the Village of Orion about putting gravel on village-owned property behind the Orion True Value Hardware store.
This would serve as a parking lot.
What do village officials think?
At the village board meeting on Monday, Oct. 3, Village Trustee Mel Drucker urged caution in examining the proposal.
He pointed out a sewer main runs across the proposed parking lot, as well as other utility lines.
Also, village employees dump snow on the lot during winter.
Trustee Dale “Sarge” Stiles said he did not want to say if he were for or against the idea, but he reminded the trustees that wasements would guarantee access to utility lines even if the area is used for parking.
Trustees Jamie Lawson and Robert “Deano” O’Leary both said the area behind the fire station does not look like the right spot for a community center.
Village Clerk Lori Sampson would like to see the plans for the expansion, and where it sits in relation to the proposed parking area.
Drucker also said he is uncomfortable with a tax-supported entity, such as the fire station, competing with private businesses that rent space for events.
John Ames, village attorney, said leasing the property to the fire district would be a better idea than selling it.
WANT TO KNOW ABOUT SOMETHING?
Is there something going on you’d like to know more about?
WEBSITE: http://www.oriongazette.com/submit-news. MAil: Orion Gazette, P.O. Box 400, Orion IL 61273. Office: 1018 Fourth Street, Orion. E-Mail: oriongazette1@frontiernet.net. Phone: (309) 526-8085. Fax: (309) 526-3065.
