Milton Fire Department granted special use for generator

Milton Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved a request by Milton Fire Department for a special permitted use for an emergency generator.

Ed Ide, engineer for the department, said at a Nov. 19 public hearing that the intention is that the generator and three propane fuel tanks will be placed on site for emergency power purposes. Ide said the generator and the tanks would be surrounded by bollards instead of fencing. 

The department is currently building a $4.6 million addition to its existing firehouse at the corner of Front and Chestnut streets. When asked why this was coming up now and not when the commission reviewed the site plan, town Project Coordinator John Collier said the original plan was for the generator to remain in the building, but the department decided to go with a larger generator, which had to be moved outside.

Department President Johnny Hopkins said the generator will have 10-minute cycles once per week where it will come on and run, as the generator exercises itself. Other than that, however, he did not anticipate intense use or noise that would disturb neighbors, barring an emergency situation. The sound from the generator is similar to a lawnmower. Collier said he has not received any complaints about generators at both the police and fire departments. 

The commission approved the special permitted use, finding it does not negatively affect neighboring properties and is keeping with the character of the surrounding area, among other factors.