After reviewing the available information from the fire district, Denny Creek Neighborhood Alliance and talking to neighbors, we support locating the fire station at the 138th Place site in Big Finn Hill Park. It’s our belief that it would be an asset to the entire Finn Hill neighborhood to have an optimal location for providing emergency services.

We are less convinced that the full, additional 20 parking spaces over the 10 required for the staff is necessary. If the building is to be made available for community activities such as a place to hold small public meetings, then it would make sense. Otherwise, we’re comfortable with park users continuing to use either the neighborhood or QFC.

We’ve always encouraged bikers to park in front of our house which is across the street from the park.

Like many of our neighbors, we were caught off guard when we found out that a portion of the park was being considered as a site. We have lived across the street for over 20 years on the corner of N.E. 134th St. and 72nd Ave N.E. and it has been a major asset to our family and neighborhood. There is a bit of a feeling of loss to think about giving up even a small part for development including something as necessary as a fire station.

Still, unless it’s shown that there would be significant environmental concern resulting from either construction or operation, we believe the good provided to the entire Finn Hill neighborhood wins out.

We have supported most DCNA stances over the years, including making donations and understand their take on this proposal as contrary to one of the missions, which is to prevent development in the green areas of the neighborhood.

In this case, we believe they have got it wrong. A fire station on the site will be of greater benefit to neighborhood. We all need to remember that we live in a modern community that expects modern services such as fire, police and schools at the most reasonable cost. Regardless of where or when the station gets built, we expect the smart use of public funds to build only what’s necessary and to be mindful that good, integrated design doesn’t cost more.

We also want to take this as an opportunity to thank the fire department and staff for the fast response when about 15 years ago, we woke in the middle of the night to find the wall in our bedroom on fire caused by an electrical short. Almost before we knew it, our bedroom was filled with firemen making sure the fire was out and all was safe again. If that were to ever happen again, I wouldn’t mind having a fire station a block away!

Stephen and Laurie Ginn, Kirkland