Prince Frederick, MD – The long-anticipated project to construct a new headquarters for the Prince Frederick Volunteer Fire Department (Company 2) is expected to get underway in the near future. The new facility will be built at the department’s current headquarters off Route 2/4. “The existing facility will be razed to make room for the new facility,” Calvert County Government Department of General Services Director Wilson Freeland stated in a memo to the county commissioners. “The new facility is currently well into the design phase of the construction process. During the construction process it is necessary for the fire department to maintain functionality and operations within their response area.”
In a letter sent to Freeland in October, Company 2 President Patrick Hassler requested that his department be allowed to temporarily use the old National Guard Armory and its surrounding land once the demolition of the current building begins and when the new building is completed.
“The fire department has undertaken and is in the process of research and analysis for the administrative and operational use of the building, grounds and utilities as it relates to temporary use and occupancy,” Hassler stated. “The temporary status during construction of the new fire station is projected to be approximately 15 to 18 months.”
During their Tuesday, Oct. 31 meeting, the county commissioners voted to unanimously to approve Hassler’s request. Prior to the vote concerns were raised about personnel occupying the 62-year-old structure, which contains asbestos.
Freeland explained that Company 2 is in the process of obtaining a modular structure to provide a bunk room for company members on call. The inside of the armory will be used for storing equipment and vehicles. In his memo, Freeland noted that locating the fire department at the armory complies with county zoning regulations.
Concerns were also raised by the commissioners about the potential for temporary location of Company 2 to possibly conflict with county government’s plan to construct an office building at the site. Hassler addressed those concerns in his missive as well. “We have communicated with representatives of General Services to assure the time projections and elements of construction will not conflict with the projected plans for the Calvert County Governmental Center project,” Hassler stated. “Based on construction projections, contract obligations and expert advice, there should be no delay in the new fire house construction project.” Freeland told the commissioners the Company 2 project and the governmental center project should be separated by “a six-month to one-year cushion.”
In his memo Freeland stated that no fiscal impact was expected as a result of Company 2’s temporary relocation. Commissioner Mike Hart [R – District 1] cautioned that there could be “a need for support” if the fire department’s plan for temporary housing of crews fails to measure up to state requirements.
In addition to making a decision on the temporary location for Company 2, the commissioners determined that the governmental center would be located at the armory building site. The vote was 3-to-2, with Commissioner Pat Nutter [R – District 2] and Commissioner Steve Weems [R – At large] voting opposed. “I’m not 100 percent sure on that location,” Nutter declared.
The project will cost an estimated $5.058 million. Currently, construction is expected to begin in 2019 and be completed by 2021. The county will use general obligation bonds to fund the project.
Commissioners’ President Tom Hejl [R – At large] noted that county government intends to eventually vacate the courthouse so that Calvert’s court system has the entire building for its ever-expanding operation. Hejl noted that at one time traffic court convened in what now serves as the commissioners’ hearing room. “The court wants it back,” Hejl said.
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com