Timeline coming into focus for Metuchen's new fire-EMS station
METUCHEN – The borough has some work to do before it hopes to break ground in the spring on a new emergency services building.
Metuchen has issued a request for proposals for a construction manager for the project with sealed bids due by Nov. 21, according to public documents.
The borough is looking to award the construction manager contract by early December with a proposed groundbreaking scheduled for March 2024, the documents say.
Metuchen will contract with separate firms for the project’s management and construction, respectively, the documents say.
The plans call for a new 13,095-square-foot firehouse and EMS facility at the former EMS site off Route 27. Earlier this year the Borough Council approved borrowing up to $16 million for the project, and officials are applying for grants to help offset the costs.
"We're really hoping it won't cost $16 million but we have to make sure first and foremost that it's constructed because our emergency officials need a proper facility to keep us safe," Mayor Jonathan Busch said earlier this year. "We continue to do everything we can to work closely with our first responders to ensure that we are getting the best facility possible at the most reasonable cost."
Local: Drive-thru marijuana dispensary planned in Metuchen. Here’s what we know
The borough has long needed to upgrade its emergency facility.
The existing firehouse on Middlesex Avenue dates to 1916 when it was constructed as a private garage. At some point the building was doubled in size and became a Department of Public Works garage, before the firehouse was added while DPW was still there. After the DPW moved out, the fire department took over the entire structure, according to borough officials.
But the 107-year-old structure is falling apart. The outer walls were made from a red clay tile, not concrete, that deteriorates whenever water penetrates. In addition, the electrical and plumbing systems are in poor shape and the roof needs to be replaced.
Email: srussell@gannettnj.com
Suzanne Russell is a breaking news reporter for MyCentralJersey.com covering crime, courts and other mayhem. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Metuchen NJ fire, EMS station project timeline coming into focus
