MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - The Planning Commission met Monday to approve a special use permit that would allow a new central fire station to be built on the corner of Central Park Drive, and Okemos Road.

The station's proposed location was opposed by residents of Autumn Park Condominiums, located directly across the street from the planned fire station.

Residents were mostly concerned about an increase in noise from fire trucks.

The commission took the residents concerns into consideration and discussed alternative locations.

Ray Severy, Director of Public Works and Engineering, was asked if the proposed location could be moved.

Because the funds for the new station are tied to the parcel of land south of Central Park Drive and east of Okemos Road, the commission discussed moving the station to a different piece of the designated land parcel.

With no alternative location within the designated land parcel and the funding tied to that parcel, the Planning Commission approved the special use permit by a vote of 7 to 2.