Willington seeks small DOT parcel to build new fire station as aging station faces mold and foundation damage

Senator Jonathan Gordon told the Government Oversight Committee that the town of Willington needs a narrow strip of state-owned land adjacent to Route 32 to support construction of a new fire station and associated vehicle and crew parking. "The current station has massive foundation water damage and mold that cannot be fixed," Gordon said. The station serves Willington and surrounding towns and provides regional mutual aid along I-84.

Why it matters: Fire officials said the existing facility is functionally compromised, crews were temporarily housed in trailers, and a new station is needed to ensure continued emergency service. The parcel requested is small — the town estimated roughly a fifth of an acre — and is already paved and used informally for flagpoles and occasional parking by DOT and state police.

What the town proposes: The conveyance would allow construction of a new, larger station sited away from a steep slope and with better vehicle access. Senator Gordon said the town is prepared to accommodate DOT and State Police parking needs and that no public opposition has been reported in prior state-level discussions.

Formal action at hearing: Testimony was recorded; the committee took no vote. Committee members asked whether DOT or State Police would need a formal easement; Gordon said the town would not object to formal access language if needed.

Ending: Supporters told the committee the conveyance is a practical solution to an urgent public-safety infrastructure problem; no opposition testimony was recorded in committee materials at the hearing.