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The department wants SDL to donate, lease or sell the department 5 acres next to Lancaster Community Park, across from Manor Shopping Center.
The volunteer fire company wants to build the station on the site to replace its aging stations in Bausman and on Maple Avenue.
Assistant Fire Chief Steve Roy appeared before the school board's finance committee Wednesday to urge the board to approve a land transfer for the project.
Although members did not commit to anything, board president Patrick Snyder said he's optimistic both sides can reach an agreement that will enable the project to move forward.
Four years ago, the district and fire department negotiated a property transfer agreement that would have included the rezoning of 11 acres of adjacent district land for commercial development.
The commercial tract was included to generate tax revenue for the district, but the plan fell through when no one came forth to buy and develop the commercial property.
The fire department recently revived discussions with the district after an architectural firm completed a feasibility study of all district properties for a proposed $198 million school improvement project.
During the study, DLR Group determined the station could be built on the site without limiting the proposed expansion of adjacent Wheatland Middle School.In light of that, Lancaster Township supervisors recently urged the district to provide the land for the station.
In a June 10 letter to SDL board president Snyder, supervisors said they "strongly hope" the school board will donate the tract to the fire department.
The other options are a long-term lease or a sale.
Roy said the department would be willing to pay $200,000 for the property, based on a 2004 appraisal that valued the land at $190,000.
But a sale, he said, would create an additional tax burden on township residents who already pay SDL property taxes.
Although the fire department is a volunteer organization, its budget is funded by Lancaster Township.
Roy said the department has spent eight years and $50,000 in researching and developing the proposal and is eager to get started with the project.
The facility would replace the North station on Maple Avenue and the South station in Bausman, which were built in the 1940s and '50s. Both are in congested residential areas that have no room for growth.
(360) (149) (53) (21) (20) (11) (11) (4) (3)The new station, if built on the proposed site, would be centrally located, outside a residential area and would provide ample room for growth.
The fire department would pay for it by selling the existing stations, and from savings and a capital campaign, Roy said.
Funding also could come from Lancaster Township and agencies that would use the station.
Roy said the Bausman station could be developed into condominiums or other housing, generating about $12,000 a year in school tax revenue.
The North Station site, next to the township building on Maple Avenue, likely would be used by the township.
Three of the four school board members at Wednesday's meeting said they favor a long-term lease that would allow the district to retain control of the property.
The full board is expected to discuss the issue this month and possibly vote next month.
E-mail: bwallace@lnpnews.com
