Residents and city officials at a Mifflin neighborhood meeting Thursday discussed a proposed multi-purpose 14-story apartment building, which would include fire department facilities on the 300 block of Dayton and Johnson streets near the Overture Center.
Hovde developers proposed the $25 million building, which would include residences, office space and parking. The building could also house a new fire station, which would add additional floors for fire department residences and administration offices.
The new building would replace Fire Station #1, 325 W. Johnson St., which is about 40 years old and would have to be replaced in 10 years, Assistant Fire Chief Mike Popovich said. He also said it needs expensive renovations.
Popovich said the fire department favors the plans but does not want the new fire station to be built at the expense of other major projects.
But while residents and city officials support the proposal, they are concerned the city will not be able to fund the project.
Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, said the city is trying to reduce borrowing, making it difficult to find funds for the proposed project.
Still, Verveer and Popovich said the city would save money by relocating the fire station now instead of seeking a new location in 10 years because the current location is less expensive than other properties that would be available in 10 years.
“The mayor is concerned we’re going to go out of condemnation to find a location,” Popovich said.
Board of Estimates, the city’s finance committee, will review the proposal Monday.
