The proposed site for the new Fire Station 3 near the Fashion Island transit hub.
Newport Beach officials are discussing the relocation of Fire Station 3 to enhance emergency response times and support a larger civic center at the Fashion Island transit hub. This proposal aims to improve public safety and streamline operations for emergency personnel. The transit hub’s high traffic, with over 140,000 boardings in 2023, could lead to a significant reduction in emergency response times. City Council members are reviewing the feasibility of this move as urban growth in the area continues, with plans for various developments underway.
Newport Beach officials are contemplating relocating Fire Station 3 to a new site adjacent to the Fashion Island transit hub in an effort to improve emergency response times and accommodate plans for a larger civic center. This relocation proposal, discussed at a recent municipal City Council meeting, is seen as an approach to enhance public safety and streamline operations for firefighters and emergency medical personnel.
The Fashion Island transportation center is a bustling area that currently supports four major bus routes—1, 55, 57, and 79. In 2023, the transit hub saw approximately 140,000 boardings, with an additional 64,000 boardings recorded at nearby stops on Newport Center Drive. This high-traffic location is expected to provide faster access for emergency responders, potentially leading to a 40% reduction in response times for emergencies in the Port Streets neighborhood, translating to an almost one-minute improvement. Presently, the average emergency response time across Newport Beach stands at 4 minutes and 22 seconds, which meets national response time standards.
The discussions around the relocation of Fire Station 3, which has been serving the community since its construction in 1973, are in early stages, with City Council members voting to initiate communication with the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) to assess the feasibility of the move. Factors being weighed include whether a new fire station could share space with the transit hub or if a separate location will need to be identified.
City officials aim to complete the civic center hub, which would incorporate a new lecture hall for the library and increase public safety with the relocation of the fire department. The region around Fashion Island is experiencing significant urban growth, with over 1,100 housing units currently under construction and 1,500 more planned. Councilmember Noah Blom indicated that these developments necessitate modernizing emergency services in the area.
Fire Station 3 currently occupies a site in proximity to the Buck Gully Reserve, recognized as a high fire risk zone. Efforts to upgrade the aging facility are crucial, as it is nearing the end of its useful life. The last major remodel of a fire station in Newport Beach took place in 2022 at Peninsula Fire Station No. 2, costing approximately $10 million.
In advance of the proposed relocation, consideration is being given to the upcoming trolley program slated for summer 2024, which may further enhance transportation options in the area. Furthermore, the OCTA emphasizes the importance of thorough planning and analysis of any changes, while also adhering to federal regulations and transit requirements.
Past discussions have flirted with alternative uses for the transportation site, including a now-abandoned concept for pickleball courts. The future of Fire Station 3’s location near the airport remains uncertain, as formal discussions on this matter have yet to be initiated. Both city officials and the OCTA are committed to effectively aligning transit developments with community service needs in Newport Beach.
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