Rochester’s new fire station estimated cost over $19 million
The Public Safety Building Committee meets to talk about the updates on Rochester's new fire house. From left to right: Fire Chief Scott Weigel, Facilities Director Andrew Daniel, David Sullivan, Chair Arnie Johnson and Deputy Jeff Eldridge. Photos by Mari Huglin
The current Rochester Fire House.
The Public Safety Building Committee meets to talk about the updates on Rochester's new fire house. From left to right: Fire Chief Scott Weigel, Facilities Director Andrew Daniel, David Sullivan, Chair Arnie Johnson and Deputy Jeff Eldridge. Photos by Mari Huglin
The current Rochester Fire House.
ROCHESTER — Seeking safety upgrades, improved efficiency and updated gear in a modern building, the construction of the Rochester Fire Department’s new station at 65 Pine St. is estimated to cost $19 million.
On Wednesday, Oct. 22, Town Administrator Cameron Durant presented new design plans and estimated costs for the fire station to the Rochester Public Safety Building Committee.
The new fire station will include new training spaces, a dedicated fitness center, ventilation systems to reduce exposure to cancerous chemicals and updated equipment.
“There's no doubt there is a need for the fire service to have a facility that meets today's demand,” said Select Board Chair Adam Murphy.
Built in 1883, the current fire station is outdated and poses health risks due to poor ventilation. Additionally, the structure lacks proper decontamination bays, Emergency Medical Services storage and training spaces. The facility also does not meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards.
“We've just outgrown it. It's pretty much what it's boiled down to. We can't make it meet the latest standards, it's too small and there's not enough storage,” said Fire Chief Scott Weigel of the current fire station.
Building Committee chair Arnie Johnson said, “It's a safety hazard. Whether you look at it now or you look at it four years from now, it's a safety hazard.”
At Rochester’s Town Meeting in January, voters approved $55,000 worth of funding for site work and engineering at 65 Pine St. to begin the fire station’s planning process.
Due to unstable underground conditions, between $300,000 to $600,000 will be needed to make the proposed plot at 65 Pine St. developable. These costs ensure the fire station's longevity and that it is earthquake proof.
The New England Rodeo hosted their events at 65 Pine St. throughout the summer. Durant said that Rochester will lease the fairgrounds to renters like the New England Rodeo before construction begins.
Weigel explained that the station needs to be built at 65 Pine St. because the current footprint of the location at 4 Pine St. is too small.
The Committee is concerned about clearly and accurately presenting the necessity of a new building to the public including what the operational costs will be after the facility is built.
Murphy said, “The impacts of the tax payers are substantial. It's a huge ask, and I just don't think the information is out there for people to make informed decisions.”
The Committee is searching for grants and bonds to lower building and operating expenses. They will also continue to finalize the design and cost as well as present additional information to the public and gather their input in the coming months.
Weigel is satisfied that the three year project is making headway, but still frustrated it has taken so long.
“I'm feeling better that we've finally made a decision to keep moving forward…it's totally up to the townspeople if they wanna support or not, but we'll do our best to educate everybody and show the reasons why,” he said.
Finalized design plans and costs will be presented to the public at Spring Town Meeting.
