by Terri Wiebold

For the past 23 years, the Parker-South Metro Fire Rescue Authority’s (PSMFRA) Fire Station 36 has been providing fire and emergency medical services to the residents of Castle Pines North (CPN). There have been several changes in the past two years that have the PSMFRA staff evaluating the services it provides, as well as its available resources.

The PSMFRA recently issued a study proposing the relocation of the current CPN station to the northwest corner of Castle Pines Parkway and Monarch Boulevard, known as CC-20.

The South Metro Fire Rescue board of directors will hear public comment on this issue at a public hearing on October 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the DCS Montessori School, 311 East Castle Pines Parkway in CPN. All CPN residents are encouraged to review the extensive history of this issue and attend this important meeting.

Learn more at www.cpnhoa.org and type in key word search “south metro fire rescue authority.” To read the Fire Authority’s complete analysis, go to:

http://www.cpnhoa.org/pages/news/articles/2008/qtr3/station36NeedsAnalysis.pdf.

In September, the Master Association e-mailed a survey to CPN residents, soliciting input on the Fire Authority’s recommendation to relocate the existing station 36 to the corner of Castle Pines Parkway and Monarch Boulevard (CC-20).

While as of press time the results of the survey were not complete, hundreds of residents from all over the city (and a few from outside city limits) responded on both sides of the issue. The latest numbers showed that 52.7 percent “strongly disagree” with the recommendation to relocate the station, while 19.8 percent “strongly agree” with the recommendation to move the station.

Those in favor of the move sited improved response times to the northern and western portions of the city, as well as a more central location in the city, while those opposed thought it was a waste of tax payers’ money and were concerned about additional lights and noise near their homes. Here is a sampling of comments from the survey:

“The most critical issue here is the response time for EMS calls – the bulk of the calls. Shaving off even one minute can mean the difference between life and death or permanent disability.”

“It seems an incredible waste of money to move the fire station a half a mile from its current location. In addition, the noise in the neighborhood will increase because of all the I-25 calls that the station must respond to.”

“I think moving the fire station is a fine solution that meets the needs of the many and does not impact the area in any negative way…this is a good solution to the problem.”

“CC-20 is the wrong area for the station relocation…a fire station in the middle of a residential district will certainly change the character of the community.”

“I live in Daniel’s Gate. I have called 911 three times since I moved in and have been HIGHLY dissapointed by respone time. It took way too long! The firefighters and paramedics who came were outstanding, but it took them too long to get here. I’d like to see the station by Coyote Ridge Park, at Hidden Point and Monarch intersection.”

“I remember several years ago being told that “if the bond election passes” CPN would be getting a second fire station to improve services to the northwestern regions of our neighborhood. Well, it passed and a second station is now “not justified”. Please do not expect support of your bond elections in the future by those of us with memory of longer than a few years.”

The public hearing on October 15 will be the last opportunity for input on the decision prior to the board making its final decision. Please take the time to become educated on the issue and to attend this important community meeting.

Make sure to complete the nine-question survey and share your opinions about the Fire Authority’s recommendations. To obtain a copy of the survey, please e-mail Contact by email .