QUESTION AND ANSWER SHEET FOR FIRE STATION CONSOLIDATION PROJECT- ARTICLES 13 & 14 (REVISED)
Question: Why reduce from three fire stations to two?
Answer: With a 30% reduction in manpower and 40% reduction in equipment, the Town can no longer safely and effectively support three stations.
Question: Why not go to a single, large station?
Answer: The railroad tracks cut the Town in half. With only three crossings, it is important to have both sides covered.
Question: Why can’t we simply eliminate one existing station and retain the other two?
Answer: This was considered in 1994 unsuccessfully. The remaining stations are simply not located in the right places to maximize response time. In addition, each station is very outdated and would need millions of dollars worth of upgrading.
Question: How were the two areas of Town designated for the two new stations determined?
Answer: Primarily through a comprehensive analysis of initial response time, backup response time and target hazards. Also considered was the proximity to main thoroughfares to enhance safe response routes.
Question: If the Town already owns the VFW property in the area, why do we need to purchase private property to site the station?
Answer: The cost to relocate the VFW is projected at over one million dollars. The Veterans have been clear that they do not want to move. In addition, the VFW site alone is not large enough, requiring the Town to use the tennis courts, a portion of Pequossette Field and to acquire a small parcel of private land next door.
Question: How much will the Trapelo Road property cost? How will it be funded?
Answer: The Town has reached an agreement with the landowner to acquire the property for $1.35 million. The motion will request an additional $150,000 for possible tenant relocation obligations and to remove underground storage tanks on the property. It will be funded by borrowing in order to take advantage of historically low interest rates and to create flexibility for future repayment options.
Question: The Trapelo Road property was formerly a car dealership and automotive repair use. Is the property contaminated? If so, who is responsible?
Answer: The property does have some contamination, but it is not extensive. With the cooperation of the property owner, the Town has had a comprehensive environmental analysis completed. It is expected that some underground fuel tanks and soil will need to be removed. The groundwater is not contaminated. As part of the land agreement, the Town will assume these obligations. The Town’s consultant estimates that this cost could range from $60,000 to $110,000.
Question: What happens to tenants when the property is transferred?
Answer: To the extent that there are leases, the legal effect of an eminent domain taking is to terminate them. The Town will work with the landowner to time the transfer in a manner that accommodates the relocation needs of the tenants. In addition, the Town has a financial obligation to reimburse each tenant for relocation expenses, up to a maximum of $10,000.
Question: The Alexander Avenue property provides important parking for Belmont Center. Why can’t the existing station on Leonard Street be renovated?
Answer: Given the age and condition of the station, built in 1899, renovation is not a cost effective solution. In addition, it is too small for modern firefighting apparatus and needs. Finally its location in the middle of a busy commercial district is not ideal.
Question: What is the cost to do schematic design and site preparation for the new stations? How will it be funded?
Answer: The cost is $200,000. It will be funded from the Kendall Insurance account.
Question: What are the costs and next steps for implementing the project?
Answer: If Town Meeting authorizes the land acquisition and schematic design under Articles 13 and 14, a full design and construction program will be developed and submitted for approval next year to both Town Meeting and by voter referendum. The Fire Station Consolidation Committee study estimated land acquisition, design and construction to be approximately $12 million. Of this amount, it is projected that the disposition of the exiting three stations would contribute $3 million.
Source: Fire Station Consolidation Committee and the Office of the Board of Selectmen
Note: Please check the Town’s web site at http://www.town.belmont.ma.us for more information on this project, including the full reportsof the Fire Station Consolidation Committee:
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