LETTER: Committee Clarifies Misconceptions About Ballardvale Firehouse Project

This letter is intended to address concerns and correct misperceptions about the process regarding replacement of the existing Ballardvale Fire Station. 

The Ballardvale Fire Station Replacement Committee, consisting of seven citizens from Ballardvale and South Andover neighborhoods, was appointed by the Selectman in November 2008 to (a) evaluate the existing conditions at the 120-year-old Ballardvale Fire Station; (b) conduct a needs-analysis for fire and rescue services in the Ballardvale/south Andover area; (c) develop preliminary design options and alternatives for a new fire station; (d) recommend possible sites for a new station; and (e) prepare preliminary cost analysis and funding alternatives.

The committee has met regularly since November of 2008.  We have determined that the existing Ballardvale Station is in such poor condition and cannot house adequate fire and safety equipment that it must be replaced.  We have walked much of the land around the recommended site and researched the availability of suitable parcels. 

In conjunction with the fire department, we have developed criteria for siting and what is needed to provide a modern, efficient substation.  Our meetings have been posted as required by law and are open to the public. We have made progress reports and presentations to the Board of Selectmen, and have made presentations to both the School Committee and the South School Council.  We are in the process of scheduling meetings with the South School Community, neighborhood groups, youth sports groups and anyone else interested in the project.

Information concerning the site selection process and preliminary details of the project are posted on the town website.  Concerned citizens attend our meetings to ask questions, and we encourage others to do so.  Tours of the existing Ballardvale Fire Station can be arranged.

By now, most people know the committee is recommending that a new fire and rescue substation be built at the corner of Andover and Woburn Streets, the current site of a little league field.

Our primary goal is to improve delivery of emergency services in south Andover, which is currently serviced by an unquestionably obsolete Ballardvale Fire Station.  To do that, response times must be minimized to the greatest extent possible. 

Given the current and projected development in the southern part of town, including double-tracking of the rail line, the new fire station needs to be relocated to the east side of the railroad tracks so that industrial and commercial properties at Lowell Junction, as well as the residences in south Andover, are better protected.  The proposed site would provide that protection.

A major component of locating a new substation at the corner of Andover and Woburn Streets will be addressing the on-going traffic and parking problems at South School.  The Committee is developing plans which greatly enhance traffic flow and provide additional parking for parents, and staff.  In addition, the plan contemplates replacing the existing ball field with a new ball field behind the school.  The Committee will meet with youth sports league to determine specific needs and refine the plans.

An important benefit of building the station on Town-owned land is a savings of approximately one million dollars in acquisition costs.  Preliminary testing indicates that the field by South School is very suitable in terms of site preparation costs and environmental considerations. A professional traffic report demonstrates that traffic would be minimally impacted by the new substation.

It will be up to town meeting to decide whether or not to authorize construction of a new substation.  We anticipate many more public meetings before any proposal is made to town meeting.  The Committee is excited about the prospects of providing the Town with a state-of-the-art public safety facility that improves service and makes the residents of Andover and their property safer.  We look forward to working with all stakeholders in developing a plan that will benefit us all.

Dan Casper, Chair

232 Andover Street