Letters

My residence is at 238 Upper Seven Ponds Road, directly opposite the proposed fire station location.

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the establishment of the fire station for several compelling reasons, some of which you might already be familiar with, and others that could offer new insights.

First and foremost, I have reservations regarding the choice of location and the accessibility to the intended service area that this fire station aims to address. Due to the impediment presented by a bridge located mere yards away from the station, the fire trucks are compelled to navigate a circuitous and roundabout path through residential neighborhoods. This convoluted route raises doubts about the efficiency of emergency response times.

Moreover, Upper Seven Ponds Road consists of only two lanes, leaving me with a simple question: How can a fire truck overtake vehicles if there is no designated space for them to pull over? The road infrastructure and intersections were not designed to accommodate the volume of traffic and the resultant impact.

Furthermore, as the resident who could potentially experience the most significant impact from the station’s presence, I am disheartened and bewildered by the process that led to the approval of this fire station’s construction without adequately seeking input from and comprehending the local community’s concerns.

Personally, I could find myself facing a persistent flashing light positioned just feet from my house, possibly illuminating my front windows throughout the night. The anticipation of a substantial structure across the street not only diminishes the allure of the neighborhood but also threatens to considerably decrease property values.

While fire stations undoubtedly hold significance as essential components of communities, their establishment should be contingent on smart and strategic placement (which this location does not fulfill), in addition to harmonizing with the aesthetic and environmental characteristics of the area. Rather than exacerbating environmental challenges, fire stations should play a role in supporting the neighborhoods they inhabit, enhancing the community fabric rather than causing harm.

Let’s find a new location and do better the next time around.

Scotty Ruane

Water Mill