Four sealed bids were received for the sale of the old fire station, ranging from $35,000 to $101,000. But during their review of the bids, the county’s public works department identified portions of the parcel that needed to be retained by the county, significantly reducing the size of the parcel to be sold. Station 7 was one of four stations that tested positive for mold toxins and poor air quality in 2015. Firefighters complained for years about respiratory illnesses relating to the mold, and despite remediation, the building was closed in 2016.

So far, the campaign has netted 33 donations amounting to $1,650, with 29 days left to go. Project costs will be reduced with the help of volunteer labor, said Missy Stults, the city’s sustainability director.  

Ann Arbor has a goal of powering 100% of the city’s municipal government operations with clean and renewable energy sources such as wind and solar by 2035 or sooner.

“I am pleased that our mayor and the Board of County Commissioners have recognized the need for this new service and approved the necessary budget to make this a reality,” Chief Downey said. “In order to continue to provide the highest level of life-saving care to this community, we must keep pace with growth and this new service is an example of just that.”