Aston OKs plans for new fire department headquarters

ASTON » The long-awaited new firehouse is on its way to becoming a reality.

Commissioners approved a proposal from the Media-based Bonnett Associates Inc. in the amount of $360,000 for architectural and engineering services for the fire house, which will be constructed at the current Dutton’s Mill site.

Commissioners President Jim Stigale said as of now, the cost of the new firehouse will be approximately $6 million.

A merger between the Aston-Beechwood and Green Ridge fire companies took more than 10 years of discussion and 18 months of intensive meetings to complete. Members of both companies formed the Aston Fire and EMS Cooperative Partnership Steering Committee, and worked toward the joining of the two departments

The Aston Board of Commissioners officially recognized the Aston Township Fire Department as the official township fire company in January 2015.

Commissioners were then faced with making a decision about the location of the newly established company.

It was decided that the Aston-Beechwood building would be sold, leaving the Green Ridge site, and possible new construction at either the site of the township municipal building on Pennell Road or a property to be purchased to build at the corner of Concord and Red Hill roads.

Public meetings were held and hundreds of residents attended. Citing expense, the majority of residents expressed opposition to the municipal building site and Concord Road location. Fire department President Sean Joyce stated that the Dutton’s Mill Road location, site of the former Green Ridge Fire Department, was the preferred site of the members of the fire company.

After taking all comments into consideration, commissioners voted to maintain the Dutton’s Mill Road site, which will be expanded.