RVCFD will push for $21 million bond

At the next village board briefing session — on March 10 — a representative from the Rockville Centre Fire Department will make a public presentation of plans to renovate two of its facilities.

The proposal will call for a $21 million bond to fund the rehabilitation of buildings at 58 N. Centre Ave. and 103 Maple Ave. Both structures, fire officials say, are suffering from issues that include poor roof and masonry conditions, deteriorating windows and doors, plumbing deficiencies and a lack of space for bunker gear.

The Maple Avenue firehouse was built in the 1960s, according to Fire Chief Mark Murray, and the building at N. Centre Avenue was constructed in the late 1930s-early 1940s, although it has been renovated within the last 30 years.

“[These proposals] will allow us to advance our operation issues…,” Murray said. “We’re just trying to keep up… We don’t want to band-aid the problems we have anymore.”

Village trustees can either pass a resolution, by April 1, to place the proposed bond referendum on the ballot for the June 21 village election, or the Fire Department can obtain a required number of signatures to bring it to a vote.