Williamtown Fire District Talking New Station Site
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The Prudential Committee has been seeking a location to build a modern fire station to accommodate the Fire Department. |
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WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The Fire District's Prudential Committee will continue discussion on the acquisition of property for a new fire station at its Wednesday meeting.
The committee has identified a Main Street parcel adjacent to the former Agway — known as the Lehovic Property — as a likely location for a new station to replace its small and outdated facility.
On Monday, rumors surfaced alleging that the district had already entered a purchase and sales agreement for the property. But those were quickly dispelled by the committee Monday afternoon.
"We're still negotiating that, and as soon as we get the go-ahead from our lawyers and have anything to report, we'll be happy to do that," Prudential Committee member Edward Briggs said. "We're anxious as you are."
In September, the committee attended a hearing by the town's Finance Committee to discuss the need for a new station. The committee's $9 million proposal is one of several major capital improvements being proposed. Other projects include a new Police Station and high school.
Briggs said he expects the committee to convene in executive session Wednesday, which state law allows as an exception to the Open Meetings Law.
The fire district operates outside of the regular town budget, has its own taxing authority and holds its own annual meeting separate from May's town meeting.
In September, Finance Committee Chairman Charles Fox said he did not want the fire district could commit taxpayers to a major project without a significant percentage of the town's population being aware of the plan. Annual fire district meetings typically draw several dozen voters.
Tags: capital projects, fire district, fire station,
