Why is Fire Station 4 being shuttered?

The below information was taken directly from the fire department’s needs study and highlights why Station 4 is being shuttered:

Station 4 Deficiencies 

The station is typical of the era it was designed in. It was not planned for full time staff and sleeping. Trucks were smaller and there was less emphasis on training, health/wellness and reporting. Expansion is not possible anymore as the entire site has been utilized. The garage space has no support spaces and no additional space for apparatus and storage. There is no separation between apparatus bays and living spaces. All staff support areas are minimal as they are too small, including the bathrooms. A decontamination space does not exist. There are no training spaces. Parking is lacking and cannot be expanded. There is no staging area for trailers or equipment, so they would be in the circulation path. Access has become more difficult with the increased traffic loads on the intersection. There is tight space for required trash, recycling and no outdoor space for firefighters. The adjacent railroad is noisy and the trains stop traffic, which is a public safety concern during a call.

Show All Answers

1. Why does the fire department need a new station location at this time?
2. How did the fire department evolve from a total volunteer fire department to 24/7 duty crews?
3. Why is the Lake Johanna Fire Department considering a site near Bethel University’s Anderson Center?
4. When will the fire station be built?
5. The proposed location is on Pine Tree Drive. Is this road wide enough to accommodate a fire station?
6. Fire Station 4 at 3615 Victoria is less than 2 miles from the proposed Pine Tree location. Should the location be further south and west and let the Victoria station take care of the middle area?
7. How will residents near the Anderson Center be impacted?
8. What would happen to the trails on the Anderson Center property?
9. What impact will this have on the Crepeau Nature Preserve?
10. Why is Fire Station 4 being shuttered?
11. Information to date states that the new fire station will serve southern Arden Hills and Shoreview. Will the proposed new station also serve northern Arden Hills and Shoreview?
12. Why was Fire Station 1 on New Brighton Blvd decommissioned? Could that station be used for the new proposed station location?
13. Was the Pot O’ Gold site considered?
14. How does the Lake Johanna Fire Department Board make decisions?
15. How will the station be paid for?