Wilmington Star-News

November 2, 2005

 

Developer donates land for Leland fire, police

LELAND -- The town of Leland will soon expand its fire and police coverage, thanks to a local development company.

HWW LLC, developer of Westport in Leland, has donated a 1.5-acre tract located on N.C. 133 near the development as the future site of the town’s first fire department substation.

The station, which will cover Westport, Mallory Creek and Brunswick Forest, will include a day room, kitchen, medical storage areas, bathroom/shower facilities, offices and vehicle maintenance area, said Leland Fire and Rescue Chief John Grimes.

It will also include a small office for the Leland Police Department.

Chief Grimes said the cost of construction is estimated at $500,000. Two new fire engines will be purchased for the facility, and a service company from the current fire headquarters will be relocated there.

"We are actively seeking volunteers to man the station," he said, adding the facility will be initially staffed by volunteers only.

Eight volunteers are needed, and training is free.

Leland Town Manager David Hewett said the town is in the beginning stages of initiating financing for the facility.

The town is also working toward property acquisition for a second substation to cover the southern Lanvale Road area. It has budgeted $2.5 million for construction of two substation sites and necessary equipment, Mr. Hewett said.

"It’s just further evolution of service protection," he said. "It improves coverage."

A starting date for construction at the N.C. 133 site has not been set.