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On Sept. 18, 2007 Scottsdale City Council authorized the purchase of 9598 E. Cactus Road, a 2-acre parcel on the northwest corner of 96th Street and Cactus Road, for the future site of Fire Station 8. The city has completed the land purchase and taken steps to clean and grade the property.
This purchase follows the city’s plan to locate fire stations throughout Scottsdale to ensure when there is a medical emergency or fire, our Fire Department can get to residents and businesses in time. The purchase of this site is the first of several steps that must be completed before a station can be built on the property.
Below are answers to a few questions about fire stations in general and an overview of the process for building a new fire station at this site.
Why this location?
Scottsdale Fire Department has set a goal of arriving on the scene of an emergency within 4 minutes or less, 80 percent of the time. Currently, existing fire stations’ crews are responding to calls in this area in about 8-9 minutes, 80 percent of the time. A key factor in reducing response times is the location of a fire station.
The Cactus Road /96th Street site is located on a major road that has good access to the homes and businesses needing improved response times. Scottsdale Fire Department estimates that locating a station in this area could result in about 1,600 additional calls for help being responded to within 4 minutes or less annually.
The department also will be able to provide faster service to 18 public and private schools located in the area and the more than 600 businesses which are considered medium- to high-risk for emergency calls.
Traffic from the station is estimated to be minimal.
What measures can the fire department take to ensure a fire station is compatible with residential areas and nearby properties?
Scottsdale Fire Department has fire stations throughout the city that are located in and near residential areas. We are committed to being a good neighbor and will tailor the design of a station to suit the neighborhood.
Station design, advances in technology and the modification of station operating policies allow fire stations to better blend into local neighborhoods. For example:
- The city uses “opticom” traffic pre-emption devices. They turn traffic signals “green” for approaching emergency vehicles and stop traffic from other directions. These devices significantly reduce the need to use sirens and horns while leaving the station and reduce response times.
- Station design can be neighborhood-friendly. The use of landscaping and walls can act as a buffer to adjacent properties while minimizing noise and lighting impacts.
- Station operating procedures can limit outdoor activities. They can require that outside activities be minimized or held at other locations and that equipment safety checks occur during daylight hours.
Finally, fire stations can add value to neighborhoods by:
- Providing immediate response to emergencies.
- Participating in neighborhood block watches and other activities to improve safety and provide an overall sense of added security.
- Providing safe havens for children in case of emergencies.
What are the next steps in the planning process for Fire Station 8?
Council approved the design contract for WLC Architects at its regularly scheduled meeting on May 6, 2008.
Public meetings for Fire Station 8 were held on May 7 and September 4 at the Via Linda Senior Center.
Based on public feedback, city staff and the fire department station design team have worked with the architect to develop a site plan, layout, and initial design.
This fall, city staff will submit an application to obtain a Municipal Use Master Site Plan permit, which will go to the Planning Commission for a recommendation and the City Council for a final decision.
For the latest progress and status reports please visit the project website.
How can I get more information or comment on the site design?
Scottsdale Fire Department wants to hear from you! Please share with us your questions, feedback or comments by calling 480-312-8000 or send an e-mail to tnichols@ScottsdaleAZ.gov.