by Terri Wiebold

The South Metro Fire Rescue 2006 Budget lists capital investments as the major focus for the coming year. When the District went to the electorate seeking an increase in the mill levy in the spring of 2004, the Board of Directors made a commitment to provide mills for capital purposes. One such capital investment was the construction of a new fire station (proposed station 43) in Castle Pines North (CPN).

“Building this station is definitely a priority when you look at our 10-Year Strategic Plan,” said South Metro Fire Board of Directors member Bill Schaefer. “With our growing community, we have a need for quality fire and medical response local to Castle Pines North. This station is so key because response times to Hidden Pointe and Daniel’s Gate and the surrounding areas would be greatly improved.”

According to Andy Lyon, Director of Public Affairs for South Metro Fire Rescue, negotiations are underway for the acquisition of a parcel of land located near Monarch Boulevard and Hidden Pointe Boulevard. Plans are moving forward and permission has been granted to enter the site and do preliminary testing on the soil. “We are committed to opening the new station,” said Lyon. “Our plan is to have station 43 open sometime in 2007.”

Lyon acknowledged that these planning decisions were based largely on the direction provided by the current Board of Directors, three seats of which are up for election in May.

“The outcome of the election may or may not have an impact on the plans for station 43. Our hope is that the residents of CPN will participate in the mail-in ballot for the May 2 election.”

To find out more about this election click here.