Some are so glad, they're bringing cakes and pizzas to firefighters at the long-awaited Meadow Pointe station.
By EBONY WINDOM
Published June 26, 2003
WESLEY CHAPEL - Deborah Catterton enjoys giving tours of Meadow Pointe, always eager to show home buyers the community that she also calls home. The real estate agent boasts about the neighborhood's A-rated elementary school and its clubhouses. Now there's one new point of interest: the fire station.
Newcomers are excited about the new station, she said.
"The biggest thing they like is the access," Catterton, 50, said. "It's going to enhance the whole east side of Pasco County."
Now, firefighters at the new station can ensure a speedy response to emergency calls in Meadow Pointe, Williamsburg, Seven Oaks, Northwood and the Lakes of Northwood.
The long-awaited opening of the station also means an end to the threat of higher homeowners insurance premiums.
Last fall, a construction delay prompted one carrier to start canceling polices. Others suggested that premiums could cost as much as one-third more because the closest Pasco County fire station was north of State Road 54 in Quail Hollow, 15 minutes away.
But the new nearby station doesn't mean policyholders will get a break either.
"Putting in a new fire station in the neighborhood would have no immediate effect on State Farm homeowners insurance rates," said Tom Hagerty, spokesman for State Farm Insurance Co. "If, over time, we have seen the cost of our fire claims is decreasing because of quicker response times, that could result in a lower premium or helping to hold down the cost of premiums."
Allstate Insurance agent Phillip Saccomanna agreed. "It really shouldn't affect the homeowners' rate at all," he said.
Still, residents are glad to see a fire station in their neighborhood.
"The structure of the building is beautiful," Miriam Small, 60, said. The Meadow Pointe resident is a teacher at Meadow Pointe Academy. "It's good in case of emergencies. Now that it's in our neighborhood, we can take the children over to see it."
All week, people have taken time to welcome their new firefighter neighbors. Some even came bearing gifts.
The cakes and pizza boxes in the station show proof of visitors' generosity.
"People are glad to see us," Lt. John Karpinecz said.
Since March, firefighters have used a Meadow Pointe clubhouse as a temporary station and shared living quarters with the Cross Creek Boulevard fire station. Now, with their comfy recliner chairs and private bunks, they can call Station 26 their own.
