Vista FD holds meeting on firehouse renovations

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Vista FD holds meeting on firehouse renovations

By SEAN GORMAN

THE JOURNAL NEWS

(Original publication: November 12, 2007)

LEWISBORO - The Vista Fire Department is holding an informational meeting tomorrow about its plans for a multimillion-dollar firehouse modernization.

Fire officials say they need to update the headquarters - built in 1954 - and are asking fire district voters to approve a $3,350,000 bond on Dec. 11 to pay for it.

"It's totally outdated," said Fire Chief Gary Lawson.

The meeting starts at 8 p.m. at the firehouse, 377 Smith Ridge Road.

The renovation would add a sixth bay to the building so the department's two ambulances can be parked side by side instead of bumper to bumper, Lawson said. The building's interior would be reconfigured to move the kitchen and meeting room away from the vehicle bays, reducing exhaust fumes in those rooms and where medical supplies are stored.

The current building has a leaky roof and doesn't comply with federal safety and disability access regulations, said Fire Commissioner Peter Raho.

In 2005, voters defeated a $3.65 million bond that would have doubled the size of the firehouse. The new plan relies on $500,000 from the fire district's surplus, Raho said, and a 20-year bond would require an average annual tax increase of $3.11 per $1,000 of assessed value. For his home - assessed at $54,200 - the additional cost would be $168.56 a year.

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Sounds to me that Vista is being "fiscally responsible" about modernizing their firehouse. Hopefully it works out and they get the addition and renovations they need.

Good Luck!