Upper Darby moves to acquire Westchester Pike firehouse after contentious public hearing

Upper Darby’s council voted June 3 to authorize eminent domain proceedings for 7241 Westchester Pike, a volunteer firehouse the township says it needs to secure continued emergency response coverage.

The decision followed a four‑hour public hearing where residents and volunteer firefighters clashed with administration over whether the township had exhausted other options. Speakers asked why the elected body scheduled a hearing before the township had completed an appraisal and pressed whether the volunteer company had provided documentation for the township’s monthly contribution; speakers referenced a monthly figure the mayor called a $14,000 contribution.

Mayor Ed Brown defended the administration’s approach as a step to protect response coverage and to require financial accountability. “Either provide receipts for what you’ve spent or, if you can’t spend it in advance, provide us with invoices and we will take care of it,” Brown said, describing the township’s offer to pay verified expenses but not to continue open‑ended monthly payments without documentation.

Fire Chief Martin told council the station’s location is strategically important for response times in a densely populated area and said volunteer numbers at that particular house had declined to about five or fewer operational volunteers, a figure the chief said does not provide sustained fire protection without career staffing.

Opponents questioned the timing and transparency of the process. Several residents told council that the March 9 meeting that triggered the review left volunteer companies surprised and said they felt the council had not given proper notice or sufficient time to provide documentation. Other public speakers said the township should negotiate or continue funding arrangements rather than move to eminent domain.

Council debated the public‑safety risk of the building selling to a private buyer. Administration said the eminent domain notice puts any private sale on hold while the township pursues market value and negotiation; council said if negotiations succeed, it will seek to keep the site in public use for emergency services.

The ordinance passed on a roll‑call vote with eight yes votes and three excused members. Councilors who supported the move said acquiring the property is about long‑term protection of emergency services and taxpayer accountability; opponents warned of strained relations with volunteers and higher costs for taxpayers. Administration said appraisal and negotiation will follow and that acquisition will be funded from available capital or general funds, with the possibility of mortgage financing depending on final cost.

Next steps: staff said an appraisal is underway; if the council’s action stands, the township will enter negotiations to buy the property at fair market value and return to public session with specific purchase terms.