The Pine Hill Road Station opened in 1961. The building has outlived its useful life and no longer meets the City’s public safety needs or modern fire service standards. It is too small to support effective day-to-day operations. A new, larger building will allow the Department to realign its operations to provide more effective emergency response.
The current station lacks sufficient apparatus bays, storage and parking; a decontamination
room; a dedicated bunker gear room; dedicated sleep rooms; gender equity and privacy for rest areas; and adequate living quarters, including modern restrooms and a dedicated gym. The existing fitness equipment is located in a decontamination area.
Numerous studies show firefighters face many safety and health issues that were unknown when the station opened in the 1960s. A new station will prioritize the mental and physical well-being of those who work there.
A new station will include the City Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and permanent space for the City’s Emergency Management Department. Emergency Management is currently operating out of a supply room at the Fire Alarm Dispatch Center, which is far from optimal. Station 5 was originally constructed to serve the nearby residential area, but today serves the Broad Street and Amherst Street Corridors.
This is a large area and the Department often responds to simultaneous calls. This has meant relocating a ladder truck from the downtown area out to District 5. The current station cannot house a ladder truck or additional staffing.
The cost estimates will be determined at the end of the design phase. As with any construction, the project may face changes in pricing for materials, or unforeseen conditions or circumstances. The City is committed to developing cost-effective plans and finding efficiencies wherever possible.
The proposed location is five adjoining parcels at the corner of Pine Hill Road and Charron
Avenue.
The city anticipates installing a signal light that will allow apparatuses to have right of way during aresponse. Hatched, striped street markings will delineate turning lanes.
Repair and renovation would be cost-prohibitive and not resolve the current operational, infrastructure, and hazardous materials deficiencies. A renovated station would make it increasingly difficult for the Department to meet anticipated future growth in the Broad Street and Amherst Street Corridors and leave the EOC without a permanent location.
The proposed station is planned to be approximately 24,000 gross square feet, which includes a 5,000-square-foot basement located underneath the administrative/living quarters area.
1) It is anticipated that the Feasibility Study will be presented to the Board of Fire Commissioners for review in January 2026.
2) If approved, the proposed project will be sent to the Board of Aldermen for bond authorization in Spring 2026.
3) Once approved by the Board of Aldermen, project authority will be transferred to a Joint Committee of the Board of Fire Commissioners and the Board of Aldermen’s Committee on Infrastructure.
4) Bond authorization to commence design services would be issued in Spring 2026, to have money available for design at the start of Fiscal Year 2027.
It is anticipated that the design phase and public bidding process will take 12 to 14 months, with construction expected to take an additional 14 to 18 months.
The fire station project will be subject to the same oversight as other projects, including public meetings and approvals with the Zoning and Planning Boards, as well as ongoing permitting by City staff in accordance with state regulations.
The City, Fire Department, and project team are committed to regularly sharing information with residents, as well as ongoing outreach to abutters. A series of public information sessions will be scheduled in the coming months that will include opportunities for residents to ask questions and share vital feedback.