Station 6 being rebuilt on same site along Ind. 931

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When there is a traffic accident along Ind. 931, firefighters from Station No. 6 are likely the first responders. And if a fire ignited within Stellantis’ Kokomo Transmission Plant, Station No. 6 is right next door with a fire truck.

But the building is more than a half-century old. Despite the city’s best efforts, the facility has become outdated. Replacing it has been near the top of the list of priorities for the administration of Mayor Tyler Moore, and that day has arrived.

Last week, the new construction plan went before the Kokomo Plan Commission’s Board of Zoning Appeals. Former city engineer Carey Stranahan presented the case to the board, explaining the need for slight variances in the size and lot coverage of the new structure.

The variances were readily approved, but the board members were much more interested in some of the details of the new construction. Stranahan explained the need for the new station and how it will differ from the existing station.

“The fire station’s reconstruction is a direct investment in public safety, allowing for modernized facilities, improved response times, and enhanced emergency services,” said Stranahan.

He stressed that service to the community will not be interrupted during construction, and that once complete, the new station will “include improved apparatus base, upgraded living quarters for firefighters, and enhanced operational efficiencies, further strengthening public safety.”

The details of these improvements were not fully fleshed out, but one of the major changes involves how emergency vehicles enter and exit the station. The layout will be “flipped,” Stanahan explained, so that the entrance to the site is located farther west – away from the intersection of Boulevard and Ind. 931. This should provide “improved circulation for emergency vehicles,” he said.

The city maintains that keeping Station No. 6 at its current location will keep response times low and provide proper fire protection and emergency medical services. It also proposes that the new station will actually improve surrounding property values by raisng community safety.

“Relocating the fire station to a conforming site would not only be cost prohibitive, but would also create gaps in emergency coverage, delaying response times and jeopardizing public safety,” Stranahan said. “The fire station will continue to function as it has historically, with no substantial increase in traffic noise or other externalities.”

Board members asked about the construction timeline, and Stranahan disclosed that the station will go under the knife in July. The project is expected to be completed within 19 months, near the end of 2026.

While the plans have not been finalized, Stranahan said that the personnel and equipment will be temporarily relocated. Mayor Moore added a little more detail following the meeting.

“It will be relocated to another site along East Boulevard that is equipped with garage bays,” Moore said.

Moore would not confirm the exact location, but the Adams Auto Group facility at 1400 E. Boulevard matches the mayor’s description.

Stranahan also disclosed that the new station will expand to three bays rather than the current two, allowing for maintenance of an additional fire apparatus. The station’s footprint will expand to 16,000 square feet and will be able to accommodate 10 firefighters.

In other zoning appeals activity, First City Recovery Center was granted a special exception to operate a drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility at 310 W. Taylor St. in an institutional zone.

The facility is intended to serve as a 42-bed, in-patient recovery facility, according to Stewart Wood, an official with First City Recovery.

“Over the past four years, we have proudly provided vital services across the state, improving lives and supporting recovery,” said Wood. “As part of our commitment, we have invested $1.3 million to ensure our facility meets the highest standards of safety, equality and esthetic appeal.

“Our facility will provide essential services for individuals struggling with mental challenges and substance use disorders, addressing a critical need in the community and helping individuals and families regain stability.”

Wood also said that the new facility will bring as many as 45 new jobs to the community.

Board member Mike Besser asked about how the residents of the facility will be allowed to move around, as there were concerns raised with another First City facility along West Jefferson Street where residents would gather outside of the facility due to the lack of a commons area.

Wood countered that such gatherings won’t be an issue with the new location.

“That location is specifically in-patient, so they won't be leaving the building,” said Wood. “They can go outside the building, but we will have a designated smoking area for them that will be fenced in so they wouldn't be an issue.”

The board granted the exception unanimously.