2013-08-30-Ad hoc Townwide Facilities Master Planning Committee (Final Report of Committee)

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For the space program, the 2011 report found that the Central Fire Department needed 25,134 SF for the main Fire Station, which currently provides 11,841 SE The report summarized some of the space deficiencies as follows: • Building is too small for staff, equipment and services (e.g., apparatus parked outdoors and use of trailer required) • Physical constraints challenge day to day operations • Building lacks indoor training space • Building lacks decontamination space for personnel and equipment To best meet the program needs of the Fire Department, the report recommended demolishing and reconstructing the Central Fire Station on Bedford Street. This option, according to the report, would cost roughly the same amount as it would to renovate the building —$13 to $14 million (assumed as a Spring 2013 bid). Recent Actions According to the Fire Chief John Wilson, the space requirements identified in the 2011 report remain accurate. While a second Assistant Chief has been added to the department, additional space is not needed beyond the 25,134 SF that the Donham & Sweeney Architects report recommended for the current programmatic needs; however, any new or renovated facility should allow for additional space to accommodate likely long -term growth in programmatic needs. Since the report was completed, the Town of Lexington has shored up the apparatus floor as recommended in the Donham & Sweeney Architects report. Recommended Actions The Committee proposes that the Central Fire Station be replaced with new facilities and that three alternatives be considered in conjunction with the Police Station. The Committee also proposes that specific actions be taken prior to a decision on the alternatives. These alternatives and actions will be found in the next section on the Police Station. TOWNWIDE FACILITIES MASTER PLANNING