1. Clarendon Hills public safety and public works campus
2. Clarendon Hills public safety and public works campus discussion.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
Officials in Clarendon Hills are exploring the possibility of relocating the village’s fire station to a joint public safety and public works campus. The current fire station, situated at 316 Park Avenue, could potentially be moved to an area where the police department (448 Park Avenue) and Public Works Department (452 Park Avenue) are currently located. This move would open up the land where the existing fire station stands for potential development, according to Village Manager Zach Creer.
Feasibility Study Underway
A feasibility study is the first step in determining if the proposed relocation is viable at this location. Creer stated that initial assessments suggest that the move could be a good fit for the village. The consideration for this move was prompted by the downtown master plan, which highlighted the need to address public use spaces that may impede commercial development.
Modernisation and Efficiency
The existing fire station has limitations in space and functionality, given the changing demands of the fire service over time. Factors such as accommodating female firefighters and additional responsibilities like hazmat response necessitate specialised equipment and more space. Moving to a new campus would allow for modernisation of facilities to meet current standards and requirements.
Enhanced Collaboration and Training
Paul Dalen, the retired police chief and current public safety director, emphasised the benefits of having the police and fire departments co-located on the same campus. This proximity would facilitate collaboration, training opportunities, and relationship-building among staff members. Sharing resources such as office staff and training facilities could result in cost-saving measures for the village.
Potential Cost Savings and Revenue Generation
Creer highlighted potential cost-saving measures, such as sharing certain facilities and employees between departments. The village already owns the land for the proposed campus, reducing the need for land acquisition costs. Revenue generated from commercial development at the current fire station site, coupled with the sale of village property, could offset the estimated $3 to 4 million cost of building a new fire station.
Future Steps
The village plans to conduct a study over the summer to further assess the feasibility of the proposed relocation. If deemed viable, a funding plan will be developed to support the construction of a new fire station. The potential benefits of improved facilities, enhanced collaboration, and cost savings make this project an attractive proposition for Clarendon Hills.
Chuck Fieldman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
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1. Clarendon Hills public safety and public works campus
2. Clarendon Hills public safety and public works campus plans.
