RUMFORD — The Board of Selectmen has selected town land along Waldo Street and Hosmer Lane as their first choice for a possible new fire station. The vote was 4-1 at last week’s workshop.

Selectman Frank DiConzo opposed the site because of its proximity to the Hosmer Field Complex, where large crowds gather FOR athletic contests, particularly Friday night football.

Chairman Chris Brennick said there is room for more parking in the area.

Voters at the June 7 annual Town Meeting authorized selectmen to purchase land for a new station.

A conceptual drawing of a new Rumford fire station at the Waldo Street and Hosmer Lane site. Submitted map

“In order for us to move the project forward, we need to do a feasibility site study to make sure that a fire station could be situated there,” Town Manager Stacy Carter said. An assessment of a site is also needed and a timeline to bring the issue to voters, he said. Should the site not meet certain requirements, another would have to be chosen.

The other potential sites are town parcels at Essex Avenue and Falmouth Street, and the former Linnell Motel 986 Prospect Ave.

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Carter said the selectmen’s choice is at the end of Waldo Street and an abutter is open to selling land and another is willing to donate land if a fire station is placed there. He said the area would be a good fit for a 12,000-square-foot station and it’s in a strong call zone area.

The Central Fire Station on Congress Street was built 97 years ago when fire apparatus was much lighter.

“Today’s heavier equipment is causing deterioration of the floor,” Fire Chief Chris Reed.

Carter said town officials have realized the need for a new station since the 1990s but have been unsuccessful in three attempts to obtain funding. Twice, townspeople rejected proposals, and in 2009 the town was awarded a $3 million grant which fell through.

He said now is a good time to build because of the recent extension of the power plant tax increment financing agreement,  which will provide $1.3 million toward a station., and U.S. Rep. Jared Golden has put Rumford in for a $1 million earmark toward it.

“In my opinion, the chances are better than 50% that we receive that,” Carter said.

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He said early estimates put the cost of the entire project at between $4.5 million and $5 million.

“About half of that will be already paid,” he said. “The rest will have to go to bond, unless in the meantime we’re able to find grants or other funding sources that can contribute to that.”

Reed said he’s applied for a $1 million grant for a training center through the Maine State Construction Institute. If it is awarded, there would be no cost to local taxpayers, he said.

Carter and Reed said construction would take two to three years and during that time the cracks in the floor will continue to expand.

 


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