Committee approves Westport Avenue fire station renovation; staff and fire officials weigh solar, accessibility and staffing benefits

The Land Use and Building Management Committee voted to forward design plans from Antonosian Associates for renovations and an addition to Westport Avenue Fire Station (Station 4) to the Planning & Zoning Commission under Conn. Gen. Stat. §8‑24.

Fire department officials told the committee the station — the city’s second‑busiest district — needs added apparatus and staffing redistribution to reduce response gaps. "This district being so big the second due company... they are average of two and a half to four minutes behind engine 4 in any given emergency," a fire official said, arguing the planned shift of ladder and rescue companies will even out coverage.

Architects and staff outlined a roughly $4 million scope that includes a 1,700‑square‑foot addition for kitchen and lounge space, upgraded dormitories and accessible routes. Committee members pressed on sustainability and accessibility. Staff said the building’s small footprint makes a traditional power‑purchase agreement impractical but that the addition and roof are being designed to support panels in the future: "we are still investigating ... other systems such as geothermal," a staff member said, adding that structural provisions to allow panels have been included.

Members also asked for a checklist of energy‑efficiency measures and confirmation that ADA upgrades were considered; staff said a new ramp, upgraded toilets and code‑compliant clearances were part of the design. The committee approved forwarding the designs to Planning & Zoning for statutorily required review.