UPDATE: The Town of Fairfax is moving forward with a critical $1.6 million renovation of Fire Station 21, located on Park Road, with construction set to start in June 2024 and projected to finish by March 2027. This significant upgrade is essential to ensure safety and operational effectiveness for fire crews and their essential equipment.
Officials confirmed that the station, built in 1974, requires extensive renovations to meet modern safety standards. Public Works Director Kristin Arnold emphasized the commitment to stay within budget, stating, “When we put together the cost estimate in October, we did our best to stay conservative so that we do not go over the $1.6 million.” The county has provided the necessary funds for this crucial project.
Mayor Stephanie Hellman praised Arnold and Town Manager Heather Abrams for their innovative solutions, highlighting the project’s cost-saving measures. “There have been cost savings,” Hellman noted during the council meeting on Wednesday.
The renovation project includes relocating fire crews and essential firefighting equipment to the community center on Park Road, minimizing disruption while keeping operational costs low. “Using the community center for firefighter housing costs less than renting trailers,” Arnold explained, underscoring the economic advantage of this temporary arrangement.
The community center will house the fire engine in its garage, ensuring that emergency response times remain unaffected. This approach also allows for the addition of showers to the center’s bathrooms, enhancing facilities for the firefighters during the renovation.
To accommodate the fire crew’s needs, town offices will temporarily relocate to a rental house on Park Street, costing $35,000 over the course of the project. “This raises the question of where to temporarily relocate staff,” Arnold acknowledged, but clarified that a suitable rental option was conveniently found across from the playground.
The council is addressing various aspects of the project, including approving amendments to the architect’s contract, which has now reached a total of $158,000. Some council members expressed concerns regarding potential additional costs. Councilmember Mike Ghiringhelli inquired, “Is there a chance this is going to cost more? Where does this end?”
Architect Jessica Fairchild responded, stating that her initial contract did not cover the project through to completion. She assured the council that the proposed timeline remains realistic but acknowledged the possibility of unforeseen conditions that could arise during construction.
In an effort to maintain transparency, Mayor Hellman suggested creating a dedicated webpage on the town’s website to track all project contracts and design documents. The council unanimously approved the resolutions necessary to move forward with this vital renovation.
As the community awaits the much-needed upgrades to Fire Station 21, the project reflects Fairfax’s commitment to safety and operational excellence. Residents can expect further updates as the renovation progresses, ensuring that the fire department is equipped to serve the community effectively.
