By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter
Marlborough – The City Council revived a generation-long debate on the need for, and feasibility of, a new fire station in the western sector of the city. Councilors Peter Juaire and Matt Elder proposed the establishment of a special committee to consider sites for a new fire station at the July 25 council meeting. They specified the new committee be named by the mayor and council by the end of August.
“It’s time to stop talking and time to start building,” said Juaire in making his plea, stressing the steady and increasing residential and commercial growth in that area of the city. During deliberations with developers of the approved Apex Center to be built in that area, Juaire reminded councilors that they pledged $40,000 to the city for a study to determine the best location for a fire station there. The Apex Center project will include two hotels, restaurants, office buildings and an indoor entertainment and recreation complex. The request was referred to the mayor and Council President Edward Clancy for action.
In July 2013, Elder and former Councilor Patricia Pope requested the mayor consider options to extend emergency services, including a new fire station, to accommodate needs of the new Avalon Bay complex and others in the area. Additional safety had been urged by Police Chief Mark Leonard and then Fire Chief James Fortin.
