Colliers outlines temporary NEMA fire-protection plan; Cornwall board closes unsafe-building public hearing

Colliers Engineering and Design presented a temporary fire-protection plan for the NEMA facility that includes pool covers, pool and door alarms, circulation pumps, chlorination and routine testing for the pool used as fire-protection water. Andrew Featherston said the backflow-preventer and meter systems will be upsized for future capacity and that multiple permits and agency reviews (New York State Department of Transportation and the health department, among others) are required before construction and bid processes can proceed.

"We're thinking that this thing is operational. Third quarter 2026," Colliers’ Andrew Featherston said, noting the schedule depends on permitting, bidding and coordination with the village and the fire department.

After the presentation the board addressed procedural matters related to a standing unsafe-building public hearing. Several members said immediate fire-safety measures had been addressed and the chair called for public input; with no members of the public asking to speak, the board moved and voted to close the unsafe-building public hearing, while directing staff to continue to work with Colliers and outside agencies on the master plan and construction timelines.

Next steps: Colliers and town staff will continue permitting coordination with NYSDOT and the health department; staff will present updates as required and schedule a joint town–village meeting in January to coordinate infrastructure upgrades and mains needed to support the project.