| Ellenville Fire District Advances Plans for New Firehouse to be Built to Serve the Community for the Next 100 Years Ellenville, NY — The Ellenville Fire District is proud to announce major progress in the planning and development of a new firehouse facility, to be located at 189 South Main Street (Route 209). This transformative project is not just about meeting today’s needs, it’s about building a resilient, modern facility that will serve the Ellenville community for the next 100 years and beyond. The new firehouse is being thoughtfully designed to stand the test of time. It will replace two outdated and undersized leased facilities that no longer meet the operational or safety needs of the department. The district currently operates out of three locations, including a substation on Route 52, which will remain in service to cover the westerly portion of the district. The new centralized facility will consolidate operations, improve efficiency, and ensure full compliance with Firematic and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards. The site has already undergone significant preparation, including the removal of dilapidated structures and completion of cleanup. With this milestone achieved, the Fire District is now advancing into the next phase: finalizing programming and design documents to define the full scope and cost of the facility. Key features of the new firehouse will include: • Properly sized apparatus bays for modern fire equipment • OSHA-compliant gear and support areas • A ready room and radio communications/dispatch center • Training facilities and administrative offices • Ample storage for firefighting equipment and records • A dedicated community room that doubles as a 24/7 emergency shelter, complete with a backup generator and food preparation facilities “This new firehouse isn’t just about bricks and mortar—it’s about building a safer, stronger Ellenville Community,” said Chief Jody Krom. “Our firefighters deserve a facility that protects them while they protect others, and our community deserves a space that can serve them in times of need. We’re building this for the next generation—and the one after that.” Department members responded enthusiastically to the project's preliminary design plans. The response was overwhelmingly positive, reflecting strong support for the vision and direction of the new facility. Dean Burburan, Chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners, emphasized the district’s long-term commitment: “We are designing this facility not just for today, but for the next century of service. Every decision we make is focused on durability, safety, and community value. We are proceeding in a very deliberate and diligent fashion, dotting all our I’s and crossing all our T’s each step of the way, to assure the community that the resultant facility design and budget will be in the best interest of the community that we as volunteers serve.” As the project progresses, the district will retain professionals and consultants who will assist in the planning, design and budget process as we determine final construction costs. Public presentations and meetings will be held to keep residents informed and engaged throughout the process. For ongoing updates and accurate information, a dedicated link will be available on the Fire District’s website at www.ellenvillefiredistrict.org. Contact: Ellenville Fire District Board of Fire Commissioners at aburburan@ellenvillefiredistrict.org |