Montecito Fire District Purchasing New Lot

The Montecito Fire Protection District is purchasing a lot on the corner of San Ysidro Road and San Leandro Lane for a new station that would rapidly respond to incidents on Highway 101 and nearby beach neighborhoods. The vacant parcel, at 1510 San Leandro Lane, sold last year to a developer for $1.1 million. The district is in escrow for $1.5 million. A public meeting about the acquisition is scheduled for 1/25 at the district’s Board of Directors meeting. The purchase would not change the district’s plan to first open a new station in its eastern portion, to better serve neighborhoods off East Valley Road, Sheffield Drive, and Romero and Toro canyons.