A proposal that would have funded the construction of a new fire station failed to gain a threefifths majority at yesterday’s polls, marking the third time in recent years voters have rejected replacing the existing out-of-code firehouse.

At the final tally, the vote was 1,734 against, 1,057 in favor.

About 32 percent of registered voters showed up at the polls.

A series of zoning proposals that included a measure extending Pelham’s business zone along Route 38 did pass among voters, opening up the nearly 102 acres for potential use as office space, health clubs and retail shopping.

Voters also turned out in favor of the town’s $10,592,277 operating budget and narrowly approved the school district’s proposed $24,007,621 operating budget.

Competing for an open seat on the Board of Selectmen, former town selectman Edmund Gleason (1,365) defeated rival George Puddister (1,109). Lorraine Dube (1,119) and write-in candidate Deb Ryan (1,274) both won open seats on the school board.