NEW FIRE STATION

The issue of building a new fire station is one the Town of Winthrop has grappled with for decades. During my first inauguration speech, I made it clear that two of my primary goals were to build a new fire station and address the long-vacant old middle school. Our attempt last year was unsuccessful, primarily due to concerns about the proposed location, project cost, and the potential demolition of the historic Wadsworth Building. It was a decisive outcome—the voters made their voices heard, and I was listening.

Despite the setback, I was encouraged to sense broad support for the concept of a new station—just not the previous plan. In response, I brought forward a new proposal that addressed many of the community’s concerns, including the use of town-owned land, the future of the old middle school site, and a more appropriate cost structure. Thanks to the tireless support of our firefighters, Fire Chief, Deputy Chief, and the Fire House Building Committee (FHBC), the revised debt exclusion passed overwhelmingly.

We’ve already hired an Owner’s Project Manager (OPM) and expect to select an architect by the second week of July. Asbestos assessment of the old middle school is underway, and once complete, we will proceed with bidding for abatement and demolition. Demolition is expected to begin in mid to late fall, with a clean site ready by early spring.

Throughout the project, we will continue to hold public hearings to ensure transparency and address community concerns, including final design, pest control during demolition, noise mitigation, and more. We anticipate breaking ground in early summer 2026, with completion projected for late 2027.

The total project cost is capped at $38.5 million. For the average Winthrop property assessed at $697,000, the estimated tax impact will be $487.41 per year, or $121.85 per quarter. This increase will not take effect until late in fiscal year 2028.

For more information on the New Fire Station, including an accurate cost for your specific valuation, please visit winthropfirestation.com