The City of Dowagiac took the first step forward Monday in its latest venture to enhance the safety of its residents.

The Dowagiac Planning Commission approved plans for a new, city-owned ambulance hanger, located at the city’s industrial park on Enterprise Drive. The proposed 2,560 square foot facility will have four parking bays for emergency vehicles, as well an office and rest area for drivers.

“The city has been working with Pride Care, our ambulance provider in the area,” said City Manager Kevin Anderson. “They are currently leasing facilities that are undersized to meet their needs, and so we’re working to construct a building there and lease it back to them.”

Pride Care has been using property located on Prairie Rounde to house vehicles within city limits for the last several years, Anderson said. However, the former bank building lacks actual bays for the vehicles to be stored, instead using the awning under the building’s former drive through area as shelter.

The city and Pride Care have been looking for an alternative solution for the last six months, determining that there weren’t any existing facilities in the community that would suit their needs, Anderson said. Using plans provided by the medical transport company, the city decided to create a proposal to build a new facility, which is expected to cost $150,000.

“All communities are charged with providing a certain level of public safety to its residents, and you’ll need buildings and vehicles to provide that” Anderson said. “This gives us a long-term solution, for an affordable price.”

The city is currently working out a leasing agreement with the ambulance service, the city manager said. Since the facility will be owned by city hall, other medical transportation companies would be able to use the property in the event that either party chose to end their current contract.

“We have good relations, and we don’t expect that to happen,” Anderson said. “But what could happen in the next decade, who knows? But this allows us to keep the asset and have a place for emergency services in the long term. In the meantime, we have someone we can lease this to.”

The planning commission’s recommendation could be presented for action by the city council as soon as next Monday, Anderson said. If approved, construction could begin within a few weeks and would be expected to be completed by spring.