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Council authorizes mayor to proceed with acquisition of Torrington Volunteer Fire Department property, contingent on Planning & Zoning review
Summary
The City Council voted to authorize the mayor to proceed with acquisition of the Torrington Volunteer Fire Department property, subject to a CGS 8-24 referral to the Planning & Zoning Commission; council and public discussed equipment transfers, possible reversionary language and the project's operational and budget implications.
Torrington ' The City Council voted Monday to authorize Mayor Eleanor Carbone to proceed with acquiring the Torrington Volunteer Fire Department property, contingent on the Planning and Zoning Commission's review under Connecticut General Statutes Section 8-24.
Action and rationale: Council members said they authorized the mayor and city attorneys to advance acquisition paperwork so negotiations and required legal steps can proceed while the 8-24 review is scheduled. City staff said a phase-1 environmental assessment found no major concerns but noted possible lead paint and asbestos that would be handled in remediation and budgeting.
Operations and equipment: City officials and volunteer department representatives discussed transfer of equipment and apparatus already provided or slated for transfer. A volunteer commissioner said the department had turned over sets of turnout gear and hose and anticipated transferring vehicles to the city within days; staff estimated potential resale value for some apparatus if the city chose that route.
Service and oversight: Council members emphasized the board of safety's responsibility for fire-service planning and said the council's acquisition decision sets the stage for the board and the new fire chief to plan East-End coverage. The mayor and staff discussed including reversionary deed language or contract terms that would return the property to the volunteer department if specified fire-service goals were not met within a designated timeframe.
Next steps and timeline: Staff said acquisition paperwork should be completed within 90 days of the phase-1 assessment and noted additional capital work (sewer connection, dormitory and kitchen fit-out) required to make the site a full-time firehouse. The council authorized the mayor to proceed with acquisition steps and to continue negotiations; the motion carried on a council vote.
Ending: Council members said further budget and operational proposals for staffing, capital improvements and equipment allocation would come before the board of safety and the council in coming months.
