A proposal to build a new firehouse for the St. Paul Boulevard Fire Department failed with 485 no votes, 358 yes votes and three invalid votes.
The bond vote for the project was held on Dec. 30 from 3-9 p.m at the St. Paul Boulevard Firehouse.
$21.8M project aimed at safety upgrades rejected
The $21.8 million project involved building a new firehouse that would meet modern safety and staffing needs. According to NFPA 1500 safety standards and cancer prevention standards, the current firehouse that was built in 1990 no longer fits the needs of the staff or the proper health and safety standards.
The fire department has moved from two stations to one, taking in staff from its main station. Its apparatus, equipment and training needs have evolved.
The St. Paul Boulevard Fire Department now houses an Irondequoit ambulance crew as well.
The fire district held an information meeting on Dec. 22 expressing their concerns with the current firehouse.
Some of the issues include frequent plumbing and HVAC failures, lack of space for proper storage, fitness, wellness and training. The firehouse also only has one shower and does not have any private gender-inclusive bunkrooms.
Despite the vote not passing, Chief Ken Stavalone plans to regroup and have additional meetings with the community and hold another vote in the future. “The fact remains that the building does not meet health, safety, and privacy standards for our firefighters,” Stavalone said. “However, regardless of the vote, our residents can still expect the high level of service they are used to.”
— Kerria Weaver works as the Government and You reporter for the Democrat and Chronicle, with a focus on how government actions affect communities and neighborhoods in Rochester and in Monroe County
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Voters reject $21.8M firehouse proposal for St. Paul Boulevard Fire District
Reporting by Kerria Weaver, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
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