City to hold public meeting about new fire station Tuesday

COLUMBIA - Residents interested in learning or providing input about the city's newest fire station can attend a public information session from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday inside the cafeteria of Derby Ridge Elementary School.

Members of the City Council, city staff and a representative of architectural firm Peckham and Wright of Columbia will be present to provide information on the proposed site as well as to answer questions and accept comments.

Fire Station No. 9, the proposed station which will cost an estimated $1.8 million, is planned for property at Providence and Blue Ridge roads in north-central Columbia. Fire Department spokesman Steven Sapp said the goal is to complete the project in October or November of 2009. Once the city chooses a general contractor, a timetable will be set, he said.

Sapp said the city hopes citizens show up Tuesday. "We certainly value public input on our buildings."