City Buying Land to Relocate Fire Station 31

Published by jaymi@omahadail... on Tue, 09/24/2019 - 12:00am

Omaha Fire Department Station 31 is located at 4702 S. 25th St. It would be shifted to a new station at 3404 Q St. if the City of Omaha’s plans are ultimately implemented. (Photo by Scott Stewart)

Scott Stewart

The Daily Record

The City of Omaha plans to buy land for a new fire station that will serve South Omaha.

An analysis of Omaha Fire Department stations completed in 2016 recommended the replacement of Fire Station 31, currently located at 25th and L streets.

Station 31 would move to land being purchased at 3404 Q St., pending City Council approval. The council held a first reading of a $730,000 purchase agreement between the city and Miami Partners LLC at its Sept. 17 meeting.

“We are constantly evaluating community needs and our response plans,” Mayor Jean Stothert said. “The new location will improve our emergency coverage to the neighborhoods and businesses of South Omaha.”

The city budgeted for the land purchase and station construction as part of its capital improvement plan. Ground would be broken for the new station in 2020.

“The modern station will be designed for efficiency and with the best interests of firefighter wellness and safety in mind,” said OFD Chief Dan Olsen.

The city also wants to relocate Station 53, currently at 80th Street and West Dodge Road, to a new location between Dodge and Cass streets along 72nd Street. A search for that site is underway.