Question 1

What is the project?

Accepted Answer

The Town of Southbridge has completed a facility study of the Southbridge Fire Station to assess the existing conditions, identify the recommended space needed to efficiently support fire department operations, which has ultimately determined that it would be more cost effective to construct a New Facility. The complete report is available on the Resource Page.

Question 2

Why is a new fire headquarters needed?

Accepted Answer

The existing Southbridge Fire Station was constructed in 1899 and is nearly 124 years old. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the facility is undersized, antiquated, and does not meet the needs of a modern fire department. 
The fire trucks and equipment barely fit into the apparatus bays which were designed for smaller horse drawn, steam driven equipment. Today’s trucks must squeeze through the doors when entering or leaving the station. The apparatus bay floor has cracks, with a ramp to two raised bays which were the result of additions to the building. Floor drains are minimal and antiquated which can result in runoff from the trucks remaining on the floor. There is no separate decontamination area; trucks are cleaned outside and all laundry, is done in the basement which can have mold and mildew. Firefighters protective gear, air tanks, compressor, and some ambulance equipment is also stored near the trucks in the apparatus bay making them vulnerable to contaminates from exhaust.
There is no first aid room and the only public restroom is located in the apparatus bay and does not meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). There is a lack of gender accommodations, with only one full unisex bathroom which serves the entire facility. There is no training room, the dispatch center does not meet national recommendations for emergency communication centers, and there is insufficient storage.
There are cracks in the exterior brick, and some columns in the tower require bracing. There is ponding water on the flat roofs of the building, and water has infiltrated the facility directly over the dispatch equipment. The building does not meet numerous state and federal codes including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA Accessibility).  There is no elevator in the building to access the Chief’s or Fire Prevention office on the second floor. In addition, the parking area is deteriorating and limited in size.
For a more complete description of the existing conditions, please click here.  To tour the building, please contact the Southbridge Fire Department at (508) 764-5430.

Question 3

Why not just renovate the existing facility?

Accepted Answer

While it is possible to renovate the existing fire station, the cost to do so is more than $4 million beyond the cost of the proposed construction of a new facility, on a different site.  The size of the current site would also limit the efficiency of operations for the Fire Department moving forward.

Question 4

Is the fire station going to move from the current location?

Accepted Answer

The facility study concluded that the Marsh Ave. site was the most suitable. After public meeting where residents' concerns were weighed, the comittee voted to move forward with a Central St. location.  In June of 2020, the Town of Southbridge entered into a host agreement for marijuana sales on the Central St. location, at the objection of the Fire Station Building Committee.  On March 18th, 2021, the committee voted to send a Worcester St. location to Town Council with the intent of a June 2021 Ballot Question to fund the project.  Voters approved this ballot question for the project to be located on Worcester Street.

Question 5

What other sites were examined?

Accepted Answer

Seven sites were originally evaluated, which can be accessed by clicking here.
On June 8th, 2021 voters approved funding for a station to be built on Worcester St.

Question 6

What is the cost of the project?

Accepted Answer

The low bid on the construction project was $19,940,000.00 and Add Alternate No. 1 at $60,000.00 put the total projected cost at $28,613,000.00.

Question 7

What are soft costs?

Accepted Answer

Soft costs, a part of the total project cost, are the added costs that are not directly associated with the construction of the building or sitework. These costs may include, but are not limited to, required testing of the ground (e.g. for hazardous materials), purchase of furniture, required permits from the town or the state, architectural, engineering, and owner’s project manager fees, and insurance. These costs vary based on the size and scope of a project.

Question 8

How will the project be funded and how will it affect my taxes?

Accepted Answer

Funding for the fire station construction project was approved by Southbridge Voters through a debt exclusion ballot question in June of 2021. As the project cost estimates are developed, we will determine the best financial plan and potential tax impact of the project to the town. State and Federal representatives have been contacted for assistance with funding aid. To date $3 million dollars have been bonded for the purchase of the properties, and schematic design services.

Question 9

Will you look at grants or financial incentives to help pay for the facility?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All potential opportunities for grants and financial incentives including rebates for sustainable design initiatives, will be explored as the project continues.  Committee members and the Town Manager have been in contact with State and Federal Legislators to seek ANY available funding opportunities. In 2023 the Town was awarded $913,000.00 as part of a USDA Grant. Congressman Neal's office introduced legislation on behalf of Southbridge for additional funding which President Biden signed into law in 2024, providing $1 million towards the project. The Mass Save program has been introduced into the design development phase of the project.

Question 10

Can we tour the existing Southbridge Fire Station?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Please contact the Southbridge Fire Department at (508) 764-5430 or stop by the station at 24 Elm Street to arrange a tour of the facility.  Arrangements can also be made through Fire Chief Paul Normandin Jr. at pnormandin@southbridgemass.org or Deputy Fire Chief Joseph Hulyk at jhulyk@southbridgemass.org

Question 11

Will the station look like the current Plans/Renderings?

Accepted Answer

The conceptual images on the Plans/Renderings page are based on a best value proposal.

SOUTHBRIDGE FIRE STATION BUILDING PROJECT

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