Jersey City officials broke ground on a new $5.6 million firehouse at 627 Grant St., which will house Engine 10 and Ladder 12, replacing a 116-year old structure that had been condemned due to a floor collapse.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“We are furthering our commitment to bring renewed opportunities to areas that need it most, and this firehouse is our latest investment in the key community assets our residents deserve,” Mayor Steven Fulop said in a statement.
“This project is two-fold in that we are putting the critical resources to build upon recent growth in Bergen-Lafayette, while also expanding public safety with a newly equipped and modernized firehouse to enhance safety for our brave firefighters and the greater public.”
Currently a vacant lot, the new firehouse will be green construction, as well as a LEED Silver Certified structure, designed with dual bays to accommodate three full-sized apparatuses, advanced decontamination and hose extraction equipment, turnout gear, and housing for firefighters.
“Our firefighters answer thousands upon thousands of emergency calls every year, and this new location will put our first responders in the heart of the community to enhance visibility as well as emergency response,” added Public Safety Director James Shea.
Shea also noted that the 12,000 square-foot structure will include communal spaces allocated for offices and training exercises.
“With the population growth in this area, due to the number of new businesses and housing coming online, a modern facility only makes us that much more prepared to protect the residents and properties in an emergency,” noted Fire Chief Steve McGill.
Construction on the brand new firehouse is expected to be completed by the summer of 2022.
