MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - On September 9th the Planning Commission approved the location for the new fire station on the corner of Okemos and Central Park Drive.

The location of the newly appealed is pending for a special use permit. Neighbors and very upset and concerned about the noise, but fire fighters say that this location is going to benefit the community.
"I think they should sit down and rethink what they are doing, downsize it from 15,00o sq ft to the original 10,000 sq ft, and place it back on the lot, where its out of the way, and do a proper traffic analysis. And a proper set of lights to keep things from backing up, and being very noisy," said resident of Meridian Township, Susan Simkon.
Neighbors are concerned about the noise level and the property values f their homes. And some say, they had no voice in this decision.

"I talked to our assessor a little bit about it, and he doesn't think it will be much impact to the property values, and as far as noise is concerned, the fire chief told us that if there are no vehicles on the road when they are coming out they don't have to turn their sirens on, and they normally don't," said Director of Public Works & Engineering in Meridian Township, Raymond Severy.

The Fire Chief was unable to speak about the appeal at this time. On October 15th the Township Board will discuss the appeal more, and possibly make a final decision.