Steubenville researches new fire station in the middle of the financing challenges

Steubenville, Ohio – The Steubenville city council has approved the fire chief Carlo Capaldi to examine the costs associated with the construction of a new Four Bay fire station.

The city currently operates three fireplaces, including the 116 -year -old headquarters in the city center and cannot be expanded due to its location between the Sycamore Youth Center and the Veterans Memorial Building.

The other two stations are the Pleasant Heights Station – 112 years old – and the west end station – 67 years old.

“In a perfect world we put a new headquarters somewhere on the hill between the tip of the Washington Street and Hollywood Blvd,” said Capaldi. “You would have a headquarters there to bring the pleasant heights from the neighborhood and at sunset. In this way you could go just as quickly in both directions.”

Capaldi said the proposed station should accommodate modern fire engines and include sleep quarters for up to seven firefighters. Before a construction begins, however, a suitable place must be found and funds for the design and cost estimate must be assigned.

“Then we can then take a look at how we come up with it because they handed over a levy at this time or a bond that one or the other has to hover,” said Capaldi.

This is not the first time that Capaldi spoke to the problem with the Council. Since he became the boss in 2012, he has often started the need for a new station in his annual reports. The financing was consistently the main obstacle.

The city council Royal Mayo expressed concerns about the financial feasibility of the project.

“We don't have $ 5 or $ 6 million,” said City Councilor Royal Mayo. “Even if we have $ 15%, they have no $ 3 million. Land at sunset can cost 1 million US dollars for the country.

Capaldi recognized the financial restrictions, but emphasized the need for a new station. He plans to consult City Engineer Mike Dolak and the city administrator Jim Mavromatis to initiate the process.

“We needed a new station 20 years ago,” said Capaldi.

As soon as Capaldi determines the costs and the location, further updates are provided.