Plans for Lawrence-Cedarhurst firehouse expansion tabled

A proposal to expand the current Lawrence-Cedarhurst firehouse with a two-story extension was presented to the Village of Cedarhurst board at the Aug. 1 meeting by Ed Koehler, the chair of the Board of Commissioners and John McHugh, the first assistant chief, of the department.

However, the village trustees voted unanimously to reserve decision on the plans saying they needed more information and time to review the project.

The Lawrence-Cedarhurst Fire Department, located at the intersection of Washington and Central avenues in Lawrence, dates back to 1902 and hasn’t undergone any extensions for the past 40 years in which a three-bay garage, storage unit and bathroom were added, Koehler said.

This proposed extension would face Washington Avenue and on the first floor and would house fire trucks that are no longer able to fit in the current firehouse. The second floor will be used as training space and the department’s command center.

“Both apparatus in the original building are custom built to fit through the smaller doors,” Koehler said. “But that can’t be done anymore and the apparatus is crowded and has to be parked at an angle to fit properly. It’s a violation of many standards.”

“We’re not building an elaborate fire department, we’re just looking to get something feasible for us, “ Koehler added. We’re not asking for anything spectacular, we never have and we never will.”

Koehler said the Village of Lawrence might allow the fire department to borrow the $2 million it would take to complete the project. However, Michael Fragin, a Lawrence trustee, who serves as the village’s fire commissioner said they are in the midst of contract discussions and, “nothing at this point has been put on paper.”

Cedarhurst Deputy Mayor Benjamin Weinstock said he wants residents to realize that it costs a lot of money to operate a fire department. “It’s important for residents to understand that what you’re looking to do is a costly affair,” he said to Koehler.

Weinstock asked Koehler and McHugh when they expect to begin construction and they responded by saying they still need to obtain the appropriate permits and draft formal construction plans so the fire department anticipates construction will not start until the end of the year or beginning of 2012 and last until the end of 2012 or start of 2013.

Parise, who has visited the firehouse many times in his 16 years as mayor, said there is barely enough room to walk in between the trucks. “The equipment doesn’t fit and they need it to train young men,” he said. “They’re not looking for the Taj Mahal and they are very good at not wasting taxpayer money.”