UPDATE: Fairfax is gearing up for an urgent upgrade of Fire Station 21, with a budget of $1.6 million confirmed for renovations that begin in June 2025. The station, located on Park Road, has not seen significant updates since its establishment in 1974, making these improvements crucial for modern safety standards.
During a Town Council meeting on Wednesday, officials confirmed that the funding, provided by a county loan, aims to enhance facilities for fire crews and their essential equipment. “We did our best to stay conservative with the cost estimate to avoid exceeding the $1.6 million,” stated Kristin Arnold, the public works director.
Mayor Stephanie Hellman praised the team’s innovative approach, highlighting the cost savings achieved through creative solutions. “There have been cost savings,” she noted, emphasizing the project’s efficient management.
The renovation plan involves temporarily relocating fire station operations to the community center on Park Road. This strategic move aims to minimize costs while ensuring that emergency response capabilities remain intact. “Using the community center for firefighter housing costs less than renting trailers,” Arnold explained.
The renovations are set to be completed by March 2027. During this period, town offices will also shift to a rental house on Park Street, ensuring continuity of operations. Temporary bathrooms will be provided near the outdoor playground to accommodate public needs while the center’s facilities are upgraded.
The council discussed the implications of the project, including the potential for increased costs due to amendments in the architect’s contract, which is now set to total $158,000. Councilmember Mike Ghiringhelli questioned the need for further amendments, asking if the project could exceed its budget. “Where does this end?” he inquired.
Architect Jessica Fairchild clarified that the current contract modification will cover all necessary services through to the end of construction, addressing concerns about unforeseen delays. “When you’re opening up an existing building, there’s sometimes unforeseen conditions,” Fairchild noted, but she remains confident in the project’s timeline.
The council unanimously approved resolutions to update the architect’s contract and the rental agreement for temporary office space. Hellman suggested creating a dedicated webpage for the project on the town’s official site, ensuring transparency about contracts and design documents.
As Fairfax moves forward with this critical infrastructure upgrade, the community can anticipate enhanced fire and safety services that will ultimately benefit all residents. The commitment to maintaining response times while modernizing facilities reflects the town’s dedication to public safety and effective resource management.
Stay tuned for further developments on this essential project as construction begins in the coming months.
