YORKTOWN HEIGHTS, N.Y. — Residents of the Yorktown Heights Fire District still have the opportunity to weigh in on a proposal to build a modernized firehouse at 1916 Commerce St., the site of the existing facility.
Fire district officials held the first of two public hearings on Aug. 19, giving residents the chance to ask questions, raise concerns and offer feedback on the proposed project. In July, the district hosted a public information meeting where community members could tour the current firehouse and review plans for the replacement project.
Attorney Mark Blanchard, land-use counsel for the district, explained that the public hearings are part of the statutory requirements under the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) process.
Fire district officials said the 75-year-old building no longer meets the needs of a modern fire department. The existing structure cannot accommodate today’s larger fire engines, which are significantly bigger than those used when the firehouse was constructed.
The proposal for the modernized facility was developed through committees and extended discussions to identify key needs, including adequate apparatus space, improved firefighter safety, better functionality and dedicated office space for chiefs, officials and support staff.
The new facility would also be designed to meet current building codes and safety standards. Among the planned improvements are higher ceilings and wider bays to fit larger apparatus, as well as additional space to support the department’s operations and training needs.
The total estimated cost of the project is $30 million. If approved, the anticipated tax increase for an average taxpayer in the fire district would be about $21.12 per month. The figure, officials said, is based on a home assessed at $10,500.
Architect and project lead designer Peter Helms said constructing a new firehouse would cost roughly the same as building a substantial addition onto the existing structure.
He said the existing building is roughly 75 feet wide and 50 feet deep. The garage doors are about 12 feet high; ceiling height ranges between 12 feet and 12 feet, 6 inches.
The new building would be about 20 feet longer, with upgraded doors measuring 14 feet by 14 feet to better accommodate modern apparatus. Helms also noted plans for two redesigned entrances, including a “cheerful” and “inviting” public atrium.
While the proposed facility would be three stories, Helms said it would look more like a two-story building from the street. The first floor would be primarily for apparatus storage. The second floor would feature office space, a food service area, storage and a fitness center. Helms said the on-site fitness center would reduce the district’s need to pay for private gym memberships for firefighters and could encourage volunteerism by keeping more members present and ready to respond to emergencies.
The third floor would be reserved for future expansion. It is expected to house offices and training space and, if needed, provide shelter for the public during emergencies.
Helms said the project aims to create a facility that will last for the “next 75 years.”
Site Engineer Joseph Riina added that the firefighter memorial currently located in front of the station will be relocated to create an access point. The move would allow for the addition of about seven parking spaces.
Officials said they anticipate no change in traffic volume or pattern as a result of the project.
Funding would come from a bond referendum, which fire district officials expect to bring to voters in late September. If approved, the bond would authorize the district to borrow up to $30 million, though Fire Commissioner David Klaus said on Aug. 19 that the department plans to borrow only what is necessary.
During construction, a temporary firehouse would be set up behind the current building to ensure uninterrupted service to the community.
Former Town Supervisor Linda Cooper (1996–2007), a Yorktown resident, attended the public hearing and expressed support for modernizing the facility. She praised the department’s officials, the design plan and the district’s volunteers.
“This proposed building adds health and safety improvements for the firefighters,” she said, adding that she believes the plans will expand resources and meet current needs.
“When I was town supervisor, quite a while ago, we recognized the firehouse was outdated even then,” Cooper said. “This proposal has been a long time coming, and it is worthy of public support.”
The second public hearing was scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 26, at the firehouse. Written comments will be accepted through that date.
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