Fire Station One (FS1) Steering Committee Meeting 07/27/26

The Fire Station One (FS1) Steering Committee meeting held on July 27, 2026, focused primarily on evaluating three potential sites for a new fire station in Westwood. The committee reviewed preliminary site layouts, comparative costs, and logistical considerations for the existing High Street location, the Deerfield Avenue site, and lot 14-131 behind Starbucks. Discussions included site acquisition, environmental remediation costs related to PFAS contamination, temporary relocation expenses, and the impact on community facilities such as athletic fields. The committee also addressed zoning variances, access and traffic flow, and community outreach efforts including upcoming forums and surveys. Rough order of magnitude cost estimates ranged from approximately $38.8 million to $43.3 million, with a noted $7 million variance between high and low projections. The committee planned to finalize a site recommendation at their next meeting on August 7, which would then be forwarded to the Select Board for final decision-making. Public engagement and transparency were emphasized throughout the meeting, with multiple outreach events scheduled to gather community input.