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NHFD Holds Public Hearings on Building Referendum
Referendum vote date delayed until December 7
by Maria Theodore Leiter
A rendering of one version of the proposed North Highlands Fire Department building
On September 13, 2006, the North Highlands Fire Department held its first public hearing with regard to a proposed $5.7 million building referendum. NHFD members hope to win approval to extensively refurbish their existing metal structure, which is located on Fishkill Road, and build a new brick and mortar building to house their operations.
Approximately thirty residents, including fire department members, attended the hearing, which began with a presentation by Architect Robert Mitchell. The architect showed his plans for the new structure, and, along with board members, answered questions from the public. Residents were also given a tour of the building.
The new building would be 19,000 square feet and contain four bays, instead of two. It will meet current fire and building codes and will represent a 40% increase in the square footage of apparatus space. The old building will be taken down in phases, with the bays remaining until the equipment can be housed in the new structure. The average household increase will be $146 per year for the first 13 years of the 25-year bond and $93 for the remaining 12.
During the meeting, questions were raised as to whether it was necessary to build a new structure rather than to make repairs to the current structure or to replace it with another metal structure. Some residents worried about the impact that the fire tax increase would have on their financial situation. One resident who did not attend the meeting, but commented to the PCN&R beforehand, pointed out that the same residents have already seen an increase in their taxes because of the new high school that was constructed in 2004.
Resident Charles Powell said that the $5.7 million price tag was unacceptable and suggested that they instead repair the existing roof and add insulation.
"We didn't want another metal building," said Fire Chief John VanTassel, arguing that in 30 years they would be back to the same point. He pointed out that the Rombout Fire Department on Routes 52 and 84 built a brick building one year after the NHFD erected theirs, and their building is still in very good shape. "To try to repair this building would be throwing good money after bad." Besides, he said, they needed more room, adding that the equipment they were using would soon be outdated and need to be replaced by trucks that were larger because of new codes.
Powell also scoffed at the need for a weight room.
Armed with statistics, John VanTassel explained that 54% of firefighters die due to cardiac arrest. "We offer our firemen the opportunity to stay in shape," he responded, pointing out that much of the cost was covered by FEMA grants.
Marie and Paul Von Volkenberg asked whether there was an attempt made to apply for funding. They were told that grants were only available for equipment and operations, but not for buildings. Board of Fire Commissioners member Hans Moeller said that he spoke with Senator Vinnie Leibell, III, who advised him that there was no funding available.
Mrs. Von Volkenberg also wondered if it wasn't possible to organize a community drive, as was done thirty years ago when the fire house was first built. She also asked if they could recruit corporate donors such as Home Depot. Van Tassel said that nowadays, people did not have the time to go door-to-door collecting donations or to donate their time to help build a structure. As for corporate donors, they usually want to know that a referendum has been passed before extending support for a project.
Former Firefighter and charter member of NHFD Bill Flaherty, who was part of the committee that built the first firehouse, said that back then he pushed for a brick structure, but was overruled because there was a rush to have the firehouse built. He said that when he passes the firehouse with out of town guests, he is embarrassed to say that was his firehouse. However, he also wondered if there wasn't any way to lessen the price tag, perhaps through lobbying efforts.
One fire district resident who did not wish to be identified, raised a question as to whether the site was adequate to support a brick structure. Having attended public hearings thirty years ago when the fire department was first conceived, she recalled hearing that the property was in a wetland and would not support a structure with footings.
"I don't care if they build the Taj Majal," she said, "I don't want to see something built that is not on sound footing." She questioned whether proper care was being taken to make certain that the ground will support the structure. She also shared the opinion that the current structure should be repaired, rather than scrapped and built anew, saying that she would rather see money going toward life-saving equipment rather than a building that no-one occupies on a regular basis.
The architect assured the PCN&R that test borings have been taken at four locations on the site by the engineering firm of Tectonics Engineering Consultants of Mountainville, NY, and that the site can support the proposed plan. Van Tassel also pointed out the weight of the apparatus that is housed at the location.
"The trucks weigh over 60,000 pounds each and there has been no settlement or unevenness," he said.
A copy of the architectural renderings can be seen at the firehouse. The best time to view it would be Sundays between 10am and Noon. A second public hearing was held on October 3 at 7:30pm.
On Monday evening, October 2, the North Highlands Fire Department issued a change in the date of the referendum vote. The date, which was to have taken place on October 17th, has been moved to December 7th. The Department is making plans to hold additional Public Hearings during the month of November and will announce the times and dates as soon as possible.
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