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Resident urges council to preserve Chester Street Firehouse, recommends study committee
Summary
A longtime firefighter urged Princeton officials to form a committee to evaluate reuse options for the Chester Street Firehouse, warning that quickly selling the building could be irreversible and costly.
William Shields, a long‑time member of the Princeton fire department and former chief, urged the council on Dec. 9 to consider the historical and functional value of the Chester Street Firehouse at 13 Chester Street.
Shields described the two‑story building—s existing uses (rig room, meeting room, kitchen), its role as a polling site and community staging area, and its collection of department memorabilia. He recommended establishing a committee of community members, volunteer and paid firefighters, past department officers and representatives of the three Princeton fire companies to evaluate options for the site rather than pursuing a quick sale to raise funds for station renovations.
"Any decision that is made by the council regarding the future of the Chester Street Firehouse should consider information from all relevant areas," Shields said, arguing that the building's central location, flex space and community role could be difficult and costly to replicate if lost.
The comment was delivered during the public-comment portion of the meeting; council acknowledged receipt but took no formal action that night. Shields provided a printed statement to council members and asked the municipality to weigh long-term costs and community value before changing the property—s role.
