West View firefighters are hopeful that the borough’s new, $6 million municipal complex will be a boon for their volunteer department.
A home for the department is part of the project in the area of Perry Highway and Center Avenue. It consists of a repurposing of the existing West View Firemen’s Banquet Hall and, to make room for the fire department garage, the demolition of the former Scholl’s Bicycle Center and Grotto Bar & Grille.
The department is now based out of 471 Perry Highway, across from West View Elementary, where because of limited space its command vehicle and squad have to sit outside.
“We’re excited for it,” said Bill Turkovich, president of the department. “It will be a welcome change.”
At the current building, firefighters often are in the bay, where they are exposed to vehicle exhaust and their own contaminated gear, which can be a cancer risk. The new complex will include separate living areas, kitchen and offices.
“It will be nice to have a separate place for the fire apparatus and where the members hang out,” Turkovich said.
Turkovich and fire Chief Justin Assisi were among borough officials and residents who attended a public meeting on the project Jan. 28, where residents were able to view detailed plans and renderings for the complex, ask questions and offer feedback before it goes to final design.
As an architect, resident Peter Humphrey was interested in the project, which he said is needed.
“There’s a lot to take in,” he said. “It’s a complex project with a lot of functions to accommodate.”
The borough’s administrative offices and police department will be located on the basement level of the existing banquet hall. Facilities for the fire department are on the main level along with the main lobby and council chambers.
Tenant space on the main level, now occupied by Game Masters and Dragon’s Roast Cafe, will remain.
An elevator will be installed in the three-story building. Borough Manager Bruce Fromlak said they plan to locate a gym on the third floor.
Mayor John Henry said it’s the biggest project the borough has seen in years. It’s being paid for through a mix of grant funding and $5 million borrowed over 30 years.
The borough is continuing to seek grants, including to pay for the upcoming demolition, as well as asbestos abatement.
The fire department is giving the banquet hall to the borough. The borough bought the bicycle shop for $535,000 in September and the Grotto Bar & Grille for $205,000 in January.
Lynn Webster, who started the nonprofit West View Community Association three years ago, complimented officials for their vision, and called the project a positive one for the community.
“I think it’s needed for the future. I’m sure a lot of the community is glad,” she said. “This is the perfect place for this. I’m glad it’s going to have a community room.”
Residents who did not attend the meeting can send comments to Fromlak by email at fromlak@wvboro.com.
Turkovich also hopes the new complex will help with recruiting new members to the fire department, which has between 25 and 30 firefighters answering calls.
“That looks a lot more enticing to young folk than the current firehouse,” he said. “Image is key.”
