By Michelle Kim

A proposal for a new fire station in 2013 was introduced into the Capital Improvements Program plan to the tune of $1.8 million

This CIP plan calls for a 10,132-square-foot building, nearly twice the size of the present station, with 10 vehicle bays, no dorms and would be paid for with a bond that includes $300,000 for the cost of property.

The original plan by the Fire Department, based on a  nine-month committee study led by architect Roger Dignard, proposed a $2.5 million, 14,451-square-foot building with 12 equipment bays and dorms for seven full-time firefighters.

The New Boston Fire Department is an all-volunteer company with more than 30 members.

“Let’s start out being a little more conservative,” said Town Administrator Burton Reynolds. “As we get closer, we have plenty of time to make changes.”

Because it would be paid for with a bond, there would be no funding until the project date approached, he pointed out.

Fire Chief Dan MacDonald said the study had started with a 30-year end goal, which made it easier to figure out the smaller, cheaper, shorter-term models as well.

“We designed the main long-term solution and backed out the modules that we didn’t need but could be added on later,” he said.

The current 5,664-square-foot station built in 1973 has no decontamination area, shower facilities, vehicle exhaust containment system or area for administrative work. The last two or three fire vehicles have had to be designed to fit the doors of the equipment bays, said MacDonald. According to the Fire Department, it “does not meet modern criteria for public safety buildings.”

The nearby New Boston Air Force Tracking Station also has a fire station, Hilltop, served by the New Boston Fire Department but partially equipped by the Tracking Station.

CIP projects are required to be included on the schedule at least six years before the start date of a project.