Commission approves 2,500 sq ft storage building for Georgetown Fire Company in historic district

The Georgetown Planning Commission on April 16 approved a historic-district site plan for a 2,500-square-foot storage building for the Georgetown Fire Company at 100 South Bedford Street.

John Roche, who described himself as an engineer with a small Georgetown firm representing the fire company, told the commission the new building would be sited at the rear of the property off Harris Alley and Love Lane within an existing impervious parking area. Roche said the building would measure roughly 50 by 50 feet, include a brick façade facing South Bedford Street, and contain a small restroom. He said the project will remove 17 parking spaces in the lot where the building is proposed.

Roche described utility work needed for the structure: a water lateral expected to be tied to the main on East Pine Street and a sewer connection from an existing line off Harris Alley. He told the commission he had discussed utility routing with town utility staff and that the lateral length may make the water connection among the more costly components of the work.

Commissioners asked whether vehicle servicing would occur in the new building and about lighting; Roche said routine servicing inside the storage building was not anticipated and that existing site lighting was substantial, but that detailed lighting calculations had not been completed. The commission took a motion, second and roll-call vote and approved the historic-district site plan. Commissioners who voted in favor said the building fit within historic-district parameters and would provide needed storage for the fire company.

The permit and construction steps that follow approval — including any building-permit applications and utility connections — remain subject to normal town review and approvals.