June 13--WENHAM -- The front of the fire station on Main Street is closed off as crews repave the driveway. But the department is still operational, town officials said.
The project is part of the town's five-year capital improvement plan, said Town Administrator Mark Andrews.
"It had been deteriorating for some time now," Andrews said. "The cracks were just beyond repair."
Andrews said it is important to maintain the station with the heavyweight trucks coming in and out and to make sure that firefighters and those visiting the station are safe.
Work began Monday and is expected to be finished by the end of the week.
In the meantime, fire trucks have been moved to the parking lot out back. "They are in operation mode; the trucks just aren't housed in the station," he said.
While the project could have cost up to $23,000, town public works crews did much of the prep work, so the total cost ended up at $14,900, Andrews said.
The Fire Study Group is continuing to look at the operational, capital and overall needs of the department, he noted. The group recently recommended making the fire chief, Bob Blanchard, full time and hiring another full-time firefighter.
Staff writer Jonathan Phelps can be reached at 978-338-2527 or by email at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at JPhelps_SN.
Copyright 2013 - The Salem News, Beverly, Mass.
