LEALMAN - Fire commissioners have agreed to buy land on 54th Avenue N for a new fire station, but they're keeping land in Lealman Park until the deal is final.
The Fire Commission agreed to pay $170,000 for the 12 lots of commercial property comprising about 1.67 acres. The land is on the north side of 54th between the railroad tracks and 43rd Street.
It's familiar land to Lealman fire commissioners. Earlier this summer, they offered to pay $230,000 for the property but were outbid.
That deal fell through when the buyer discovered debris buried at the site - which gave the fire district the chance to buy the property for $60,000 less than its original offer.
Fire commissioners have up to 45 business days to make sure they can build on the property.
If all goes well, it will be the site of Fire Station 18, currently at 4017 56th Ave. N.
The fire district then would give up any claim it has to land on the east side of Lealman Park, freeing that land for a variety of uses. Some have suggested placing a community/family center at the park. Others have suggested putting the community/family center elsewhere and further developing the park with a basketball court or dog park.
