MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - The new fire station to be built on Central Park Drive in Meridian Township has gotten the go-ahead from Ingham County Judge, Joyce Draganchuk.

"The fire station is to protect the residents, life safety comes first and that is the most appropriate positioning of the new fire station," says Fire Chief Fred Cowper.

Although there are lawsuits from the Autumn Park Condominium Association, it won't stop the fire station to break ground on July 22, 2014.

Trees on the site have already been knocked down and cleared, and soon contractors will be hired to bid on the site.

All of the design plans including a training area for the firefighters are also set in stone.

If all goes as planned, the grand opening of the fire station is set to be ready by May 2015.

Those opposed to the construction of the new fire station such as residents who live in the Autumn Park Condominiums, say they aren't happy with this decision to move forward.

"We're fighting it because it lowers our property values, and it's disturbing to us in the middle of the night if you have fire trucks pulling out there at 3 o'clock in the morning," says Autumn Park Resident, Bill Persons.

Due to the most recent court hearings, Meridian Township has had to spend about $75,000 worth of court fees. Whether or not there will be pending lawsuits moving forward, is unpredictable.

The next court hearing to discuss the Open Meetings Act filed against the Township Board members of Meridian Township will take place on July 2, 2014 at 2 p.m. This court hearing will not in any way affect the construction of the fire station.