Commission issues favorable 8-24 referral for demolition and two-story replacement of Firehouse No. 4

The Newington Planning & Zoning Commission voted July 8 to issue a favorable referral under Connecticut General Statutes section 8-24 for demolition of the existing Firehouse Number 4 and construction of a new two-story firehouse at 84 5th Street.

Staff presented floor plans and elevations and said the project had already been reviewed by council and referred to the planning commission for a recommendation. The proposal would replace the existing firehouse with a larger two-story building. The architect and staff noted the site is relatively small and that the town has prepared a survey of the property. "This is a rather small site in a residential area," staff said while presenting elevations and the survey.

Commissioners asked for additional detail and emphasized the need to review a site plan for neighborhood protection given that the building’s square footage would increase significantly on less than an acre. Staff and commissioners discussed bid alternates called out in the materials and a line-item about $330,000 in alternates; staff said site plans and engineering would be developed in-house and provided when council or referendum materials require them.

The commission found the referral did not conflict with the town’s Plan of Conservation and Development and issued a favorable recommendation. Commissioners recorded that they expect to see a site plan and engineering details as the project advances toward referendum and eventual bidding.