Jersey City Breaks Ground On First New Firehouse In 20 Years

JERSEY CITY, NJ — Jersey City officials broke ground on the city's first new firehouse in 20 years on Tuesday.

The firehouse replaces the decommissioned 116-year-old fire station in Bergen-Lafayette, which was condemned after the floor collapsed inside the single-bay structure. It was originally built for horse-drawn fire apparatus. The new 12,000 square foot fire station will cost $5.6 million.

The Bergen-Lafayette neighborhood is one of Jersey City’s most densely populated areas.

“We are furthering our commitment to bring renewed opportunities to areas that need it most, and this firehouse is our latest investment in the key community assets our residents deserve,” said Mayor Fulop. “This project is two-fold in that we are putting the critical resources to build upon recent growth in Bergen-Lafayette, while also expanding public safety with a newly equipped and modernized firehouse to enhance safety for our brave firefighters and the greater public.”

Located at 627 Grand Street, which is currently a vacant lot, the new firehouse will be green construction and a LEED Silver Certified structure designed with dual bays to accommodate three full-sized apparatuses, advanced decontamination and hose extraction equipment, turnout gear, and housing for firefighters.

“Our firefighters answer thousands upon thousands of emergency calls every year, and this new location will put our first responders in the heart of the community to enhance visibility as well as emergency response,” said Public Safety Director James Shea. “This new firehouse will also include communal spaces to allow for training exercises and offices.”

Construction on the brand-new firehouse is expected to be completed Summer of 2022.

“With the population growth in this area, due to the number of new businesses and housing coming online, a modern facility only makes us that much more prepared to protect the residents and properties in an emergency,” said JCFD Chief Steve McGill.