Final Community Meeting On Nanuet Firehouse Proposal

The last of several Nanuet community meetings on the proposal for a new firehouse to replace the aging facility on Prospect Street drew about 25 residents on Wednesday.

The next step for the proposal is a vote on the $16.1 million bond needed to construct a new building. The fire district already purchased 2.1 acres of property on Old Middletown Road in 2012. The vote will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 17 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the firehouse. 

One resident spoke about how the volunteer firefighters keep residents safe and risk their lives and donate their time without getting any compensation.  He said the cost of the tax increase was worthwhile.

“Speaking as a single taxpayer to me this is a no brainer,” he said.

The project is expected to cost $$14.23 a month or $170.76 annually for the owners of the average home assessed at $135,000.

Roberta Bangs, a member of the Nanuet Civic Association, said a new firehouse will increase property values and keep firefighters and their equipment safe. She spoke about the condition of the firehouse and how it becomes inundated with water in severe storms.

“We need to get the firehouse out of the flood zone,” she said.

Several residents asked about grants and funding from state agencies and the federal government and contributions from Simon Properties, owner of the under construction Shops At Nanuet. Fire Commissioner Vincent Pacella explained the department has been submitting applications and that previous discussions with Simon had not been successful. He promised to approach the developer and Clarkstown officials again.

Fire Commissioner Harold Straut responded to a resident’s question about what would happen if the bond proposal was rejected. He said there is no alternate plan as of now.

Residents can get more information about the firehouse proposal and ask questions at: www.nanuetfd.org.