North Naples neighbors oppose the commotion a new firehouse may bring

Most people in a Collier County neighborhood feel change is going to happen. But, homeowners said they are not keen on the idea of a firehouse going on their block.

“Nobody wants that thing back here because we are all one good neighborhood and we like quiet,” said a homeowner who request anonymity. “That’s why a lot of us move back here to get peace and quiet.”

Neighbors can voice their opinions at a Collier County Fire Commissioners board meeting at the Veterans Dr. firehouse in North Naples Wednesday morning. The project is expected to cost several million and will be on land nearby Orange Blossom Dr. and Airport Pulling Rd.

The North Collier Fire Dept. said those who are against it should remember that building a firehouse helps everyone. Especially since they are responding to more emergency calls in the area than ever before.

“The fire department has a responsibility to provide service and we take that responsibility extraordinarily seriously,” said Jorge Aguilar, assistant chief of training at the North Collier County Fire Dept. “It starts where we place our services; where do our stations go.”

Despite all the push back, other neighbors like John Korbel said they understand all the department’s responsibilities.

“It’s a perception initially along the way,” Korbel said. “When the process is all done, you accept the change because by that time you will have no choice.”