The Yorktown Heights Fire District has unveiled a proposal to replace the existing fire station at 1916 Commerce St. with a new station at a projected cost of $30 million. Public approval would be required for bonding to cover the cost of the project and it’s expected that a vote on a bonding resolution would be scheduled for September. Paying off the bonding would be anticipated to increase taxes on the “average” home in the district by $21.12 per month.
The new fire station would be built in the same location as the existing station and would be 24,200 square feet, 4,857 square feet larger than the existing station. The Yorktown Heights Fire District says that the new station “will enable the Fire District to most effectively and efficiently provide emergency fire suppression and other specialized services to the community, while protecting the all-important health and safety of the 100%-volunteer firefighting force.”
The new fire station would include space where training for volunteer personnel can be conducted.
The current station was built in 1950, and is considered inadequate for today’s larger fire trucks and other first responder vehicles and equipment. During construction, the firefighting apparatus will be housed in a temporary, on-site facility. Construction of the new fire station is expected to take about 18 months and would be planned to begin in the spring of next year. The architecture and engineering firm selected for the project is The Helmes Group LLP, which is based in Katonah. It has designed fire stations in Katonah, Goldens Bridge, Granite Springs, Somers, Lincolndale, South Salem and Millwood.
“Our current fire station has served us well, but it no longer can accommodate modern firefighting apparatus and does not meet the demands of our community and evolving emergency response needs,” said Paul Liberatore, chief of the Yorktown Heights Engine Company No. 1. “A new facility will allow us to operate and respond more efficiently to emergencies, improve firefighter safety, and ensure we continue providing the highest level of service to our residents.”
Housing today’s larger trucks in the existing fire station reduces the floor space available for firefighters to move safely through the bays when they respond to a call for help or provide needed maintenance on emergency vehicles, according to the fire district. It explains that the proposed fire station is designed to have sufficient space for both the apparatus and the firefighters.
The new fire station would have space for disinfecting, cleaning and storage of emergency equipment and gear. There would be a modern decontamination room and adequately ventilated equipment storage area. A turnout gear storage area would provide firefighters with designated space to suit up in response to emergency calls. There also would be radio and control rooms, office space, meeting and conference space, a fitness room, and a kitchen.
The Fire District has scheduled a public information meeting on July 22 at 7:00 p.m. at the existing fire station. The public will be able to tour the existing building, view the plans for the new firehouse and discuss the proposal.
