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Selectboard rejects motion to pursue Richmond Road site for new fire station
Summary
After hearing a revised feasibility study from the Winchester Firefighters' Association, the Selectboard voted 2-3 against moving forward with a new fire station at Richmond Road, citing concerns about parking, long-term costs and equipment housing; residents expressed disappointment and urged the board to follow prior town support for the site.
The Winchester Selectboard voted 2-3 on May 20 against a motion to pursue a new fire station at the Richmond Road site after hearing a presentation from Mr. Chris Steadman of the Winchester Firefighters' Association (WFA).
Mr. Steadman presented a revised feasibility study and told the board the Parker Street location is in a flood zone and could jeopardize grant eligibility. He said rehabbing the existing building could be about $500,000 cheaper but would displace the police department. "The price of a new station will rise an estimated 1/4 of a million dollars every year until a decision is made," Mr. Steadman said, and he urged the board to allow the WFA to pursue grant funding for the Richmond Road option.
Selectman Jack Marsh said he preferred attempting to keep the station at the existing Parker Street site, noting long-term facility maintenance costs if the town were to maintain both facilities. Selectman Trevor Croteau raised the possibility of building a combined facility for multiple departments on the original site; Selectman Ben Kilanski and Selectman Theresa Sepe expressed concern about flood-zone constraints and taxpayer exposure. Sepe moved to pursue the Richmond Road new-station option; Kilanski seconded. The motion failed 2-3.
After the vote, several residents addressed the board during public comment. Todd Kilanski said the town had voted in March in favor of the Richmond Road location and urged the board to "put personal interests/agendas aside and listen to the town's people." Colleen Duquette said the WFA had completed the required studies and that the board's decision was disappointing given professional recommendations.
Mr. Steadman told the board no taxpayer money had yet been spent on the project and offered to serve on a committee to produce a plan if the board would authorize one. The board provided no immediate direction to staff to reopen grant pursuit for the Richmond Road site.
The board also discussed interim equipment storage and parking constraints at the Parker Street site and the costs and logistics of rehabbing versus new construction. No motion was made to reconvene further planning work on this item at the meeting.
The board moved on to other agenda items and later entered nonpublic session on other matters.
