Downtown plan adds firehouse

Boynton Beach residents could have a new firehouse, the latest move in plans for the city’s new Town Square project aimed at reinvigorating the downtown.

The present fire Station 1, at 100 E. Boynton Beach Blvd., will be replaced by a two-story, 9,700-square-foot station with three bays for equipment. The new station will be built on the northeast corner of Northeast First Street and First Avenue.

A city board OK’d the changes Tuesday and final approval is expected before the City Commission on July 17. Anticipating that action, plans already are in the works to demolish the old station, according to Michael Rumpf, interim development director.

The firehouse will operate as usual for about 30 days, then shut down for good, according to Colin Groff, assistant city manager. But residents shouldn’t worry. Fire services will operate out of Stations 2 and 4, he said.

The site is next to Town Square, to be built on 16.5 acres east of Interstate 95 at Boynton Beach Boulevard. The new downtown is expected to enliven the downtown by attracting more people, development and businesses.

As part of the changes, the city has publicized moving times for the library, police department and city hall. They’re among the buildings that will be demolished to make way for Town Square.

There’s no immediate timeline for the firehouse construction.