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Fire Station 7-8 reverts back to city ownership By BUFFY POLLOCK CENTRAL POINT - Fire Station 7-8 is seeing more excitement these days than when it was staffed by firefighters waiting for the alarm to go off. The old building, which became an alternative school for the Central Point School District in January last year and also has served as a youth center for Hope Christian Church, reverted back to the city Saturday at midnight. Hope Christian Church notified the city last month that it did not wish to continue a lease but would still like to use the building for programs. City Administrator Jim Bennett said remodeling and repairs would be necessary - including the building of a firewall between the two stories - before it could be occupied again. Even then, Bennett said, "the city will evaluate any and all potential uses of the building." And there is no shortage of groups ready to oblige. The school district needs continued use of the station as an alternative school. A theater group approached the City Council Thursday night about how it could take advantage of the space. And Hope Christian Church wants to use it for its youth program and offer programs for non-members as well. Parks and Recreation Director Nancy Hansen said the city would hold community classes in the station for a short time in July before closing it for remodeling. At that time, she said, meetings will be held to "determine the best use for everyone in the community." "The fire station will be turned over to the public works department for maximum use by the community, and the city will determine how best to serve the needs of the community with the building," Hansen said. A study session to discuss the future of Station 7-8 will be held at 6 p.m. July 24 in City Hall July 24. Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.