Excerpts from Journal-Topics.com: A rendering of the proposed new Station 23 in Wheeling. Courtesy of the Village of Wheeling. The Village of Wheeling has officially moved forward with plans to tear down and rebuild Fire Station 23, marking a major step in modernizing its emergency services infrastructure. The project received the green light on Monday, February 3, when village trustees approved both the site plan and a special use permit for the new facility. The current station, located at 780 Wheeling Road, was built in 1981 and has since struggled to meet the growing demands of the community. With a population of up to 75,000 residents spread across a 10-square-mile area, the aging building is no longer sufficient to support the needs of the fire department. Deputy Fire Chief Michael McGreal explained that the original structure was designed for just one fire truck, making it outdated for today’s standards. Given the high cost of renovating the existing building, officials opted for a full reconstruction. The new fire station will span 11,203 square feet and be constructed using durable materials such as cement, stone veneer, and fiber-cement panels in a range of earthy tones. It will be situated on the north side of the village-owned property near Echo Lake, just north of Hintz Road. The design includes a front canopy entry, a south-side parking lot, and landscaped areas facing the street. Additionally, the project required a special use permit due to its location in an I-1 zoning district, which is typically reserved for industrial or commercial use. This is different from most fire stations, which are usually located in business zones. When the original station was built in the 1970s, such a permit wasn’t required. To accommodate the new construction, the village board also approved exceptions to the standard setback and height requirements. The setback along Wheeling Road was reduced from 35 feet to 30 feet, and the maximum building height was increased from 30 to 33 feet. Once completed, the new Station 23 will serve as a model for future upgrades, including the planned renovation of Station 42 on Dundee Road. This initiative reflects the village’s commitment to improving public safety and ensuring that its emergency services remain efficient and well-equipped for years to come. Hiphi Y,Electric Vehicle,Hiph,Pioneer Edition Xi'an Luguang Xincheng Trading Co., Ltd , https://www.lgxc-autosales.com