NEWPORT BEACH : Council to Take Up Fire Station Issue

City Council members will decide tonight whether to order a start on construction of the proposed Balboa Island Fire Station.

Planning Commissioners voted unanimously in favor of the project Thursday, despite opposition from residents who asked for an independent assessment of its effect on surrounding residents.

An existing fire station at 323 Marine Ave. has been declared “seismically unsafe” and should be demolished by 1994 because it cannot be brought into compliance with the city’s earthquake code to reduce hazards in existing buildings, according to a city study.

Fire and planning officials believe that the proposed fire station, on the corner of Marine and Park avenues, should include public restrooms, according to the study.

But members of Concerned Citizens of Balboa Island disagree. “We still believe that noise will be adverse to human beings,” said Ellis Morcos, whose house would be next door to the new station.

“I think the City Council wants this,” said Bob McCaffrey. “So I think we’re talking about a dead horse.” He urged commissioners to consider hiring an outside agency to conduct an environmental study before giving approval to construct the $1-million station.

Commissioner Jan Debay said she sees no need for an independent study. The six other commissioners agreed and approved the project. The public restrooms will be in operation from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. with coin-operated stalls, and the station’s construction it to begin within weeks, pending City Council approval.

Betty Fellings, a 50-year resident of the island, said the majority of residents want the fire station. “It’s received repeated endorsement by the bulk of island residents,” she said.

Fire Chief Timothy D. Riley was pleased with the commission’s action. He said: “Undoubtedly, we need a fire station down there. I’m not surprised that the project was approved. If you just ask anybody, we’re really good neighbors.”