Wanted by Erma Fire Co: Diamond Beach Firehouse

VIILAS — Jeff VanMourik, vice chairman of Fire District 3, Erma, Monday requested Lower Township Council lease a parcel of land in Diamond Beach to the fire company for a fire station.
He said the public has concerns about the lack of a firehouse in Diamond Beach.
Currently, fire trucks must come from the Erma Volunteer Fire Company at the County Airport. Due to weight restrictions on Middle Thorofare Bridge, fire apparatus must travel to Rio Grande and through Wildwood creating a travel time of at least 18 minutes.
VanMourik said there is $280 million available in federal grants for building firehouses throughout the U.S. A requirement for the grant is the fire company having an available property.
The township owns property on Seaview Avenue in Diamond Beach, which is partially occupied by a playground. VanMourik asked Township Council to dedicate the property for a firehouse.
He said it would also provide space for police and rescue personnel.
Township Manager Kathy McPherson asked if the fire company would need the entire parcel, part of which is occupied by the playground. VanMourik said he didn’t know if the playground space would be needed.
“We have no plans at this time for the building,” he said. “We are looking to put a firehouse up with two bays, office space for police, fire and rescue…”
He said parking spaces were also needed, but they were willing to leave the playground if possible.
Township Solicitor Tony Monzo said he believed the township may have written a lease of the property to the fire company a few years ago. VanMourik said the fire company had a deadline of July 1 to submit the grant application.
He said he had heard the developer of the Grand Resort of Diamond Beach, Eustace Mita, had promised to finance a fire station in 2005 when he received approvals from Lower Township Planning Board to build the condominiums.
VanMourik said he heard a figure of $250,000 from Mita.
“If we go with this building, we are going to need to put a fire truck in it,” he said. “So we are hoping they (Grand Resort) will contribute the $250,000 for the fire truck.”
VanMourik said the federal government may be willing to fund 100 percent of the construction cost.
Deputy Mayor Kevin Lare said council would reach out to Mita.
Council passed a motion to approve a lease of the property to the fire company, which will be followed, by a conformation letter and a resolution.