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Smithfield presents plan to repurpose building on George Washington Highway for new fire station; town manager says project reduces costs
Summary
Town Manager Bob Seltzer told the Planning Board a proposed reuse/addition at 341 George Washington Highway would serve as a new fire station with three apparatus bays, living quarters and dispatch space, reduce previously estimated construction costs (previous bids ~ $8.7M–$10.2M vs. $5.9M for the reuse option) and could shorten response times by several minutes for parts of town.
Town Manager Bob Seltzer presented a pre‑application review on April 16 for a proposed relocated/repurposed fire station at 341 George Washington Highway, describing the town’s shift from a new build to reusing and expanding an existing building to reduce cost and preserve future expansion options.
Seltzer said prior construction bids for a new station ran as high as $8.7 million to $10.2 million; the reuse/addition concept has a total package price around $5.9 million. He noted the town previously secured a $4.5 million bond and additional public safety infrastructure funding, including a $1 million bond and a $550,000 grant for moving dispatch. The proposed design includes three apparatus bays (designed for long bays to accommodate ladder and reserve apparatus), living quarters, a radio/dispatch room, gear decontamination and storage areas, and room for future expansion.
Seltzer said the new location and configuration are expected to reduce response times to parts of the town by an estimated 3–6 minutes. He also noted the project will require limited dimensional relief (an addition that sits 3 feet within a side setback) and that the board may need to review the plan because the change in use and expansion may trigger minor or major land development thresholds.
The board asked about circulation, traffic controls and signal preemption for fire apparatus; Seltzer said traffic preemption would be installed so emergency signals can turn red to clear traffic for exiting apparatus. Staff said final regulatory steps will include dimensional‑relief considerations and any permitting required by the town’s land development rules.
