BUTLER TWP — The township commissioners Monday night approved a $750,000 ambulance garage for the corner of Whitestown and South Eberhart roads.

The Bacher family, owners of Butler Ambulance on First Street in Butler, want to expand to the township to help cover their expanding service area.

John Stokes, the former township zoning officer, now a private consultant, told commissioners the ambulance service routinely sends vehicles and crews to mall parking lots off New Castle Road to wait for emergency calls because city and township traffic delays their response.

"They are working to maintain response times of no longer than 10 minutes, but getting across the city from the First Street garage takes too long," Stokes said.

He said in addition to emergency calls, the ambulance business also responds to ambulance transport calls and other non-emergency jobs.

The 5,500-square-foot garage will have four double bays and eight vehicles with driveways to both Whitestown and South Eberhart roads. The building also will feature a day room and kitchenette for crews and a small office.

Stokes said the Bachers have a sales agreement with the property's current owners and are willing to work with neighbors on lighting and landscaping.

Initially the development will not bring new jobs to the township, Stokes said in answer to Commissioner Joe Hasychak, but as the business expands there could be additional jobs.