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Commission presses ahead on training facility planning, Station 35 and Treasure Island timeline
Summary
The commission received updates on Station 35s floating-barge concept, a needs assessment for a new training facility (estimated 4—6 acres), and long-range plans for Treasure Island and Station 48; staff warned redevelopment timing may be years away.
Commissioners used the Oct. 25 meeting to press for timelines and specifics on several capital projects, including Fire Station 35, the departments training facility needs and Treasure Island planning.
Assistant Deputy Chief Tony Rivera said the Station 35 project has been awarded and is in concept and review stages. Because the site sits over water, DPWs "floating barge design concept" (introduced in 2016) requires multiple layers of review and approvals; River said engine 35 will continue to respond from Pier 22 during demolition and construction.
Mark Corso, representing planning and finance, described two simultaneous efforts for a training facility: (1) identifying potential sites in coordination with the Department of Public Works, the mayors office and the Department of Real Estate; and (2) a departmental needs assessment that will inform the facilitys program and footprint. The group expects to retain a consultant to refine design and program requirements.
Chief Colombini said accreditation and the training program point to a need for a large footprint. "We're probably looking anywhere from 4 to 6 acres," he said, adding that as much as 10 acres would be useful depending on the training scope. Commissioners discussed possible co-location with other public-safety agencies, regional use and potential revenue opportunities from hosting outside training.
Treasure Islands current training site was described as a non-permanent facility that will be impacted by redevelopment. Department staff and the commission said developer-triggered obligations (for example, building a new fire station when a certain number of housing units are completed) typically determine when a new station must be constructed; commissioners noted that those triggers often push actual construction many years into the future.
Separately, the commission heard about an extension to Station 16s completion date (a 58-calendar-day extension) because of weather-related soil impacts, construction timing restrictions and neighborhood-delivery issues; DPW and the contractor (identified as Roebuck) are coordinating schedules and the department does not expect a contract-cost increase because of performance bonds and surety.
Next steps identified by commissioners included requesting written timelines and milestone commitments from DPW and continued coordination with the mayors office, with updates to be scheduled on future agendas.
