First addition to MVFD building in 1960. Photo courtesy MVFD.
Leonardtown, MD — The St. Mary’s County Planning Commission has unanimously approved a concept site plan for a major renovation and addition to the Mechanicsville fire house. The 36,962 square-foot addition includes removal of part of the existing building
According to a staff report presented to the planners, “The [proposed structure will include 6,405 square feet of the existing social hall, 18 bunk rooms and 3,944 square feet of office area. During construction some of the fire apparatus will be parked on the parking lot and other smaller pieces will be dispatched to other volunteer fire companies.”
The plan includes an area in the back for training and for washing of the firefighting units, according to the company’s consulting engineer Pete Mellits of McLaren Engineering Group.
According to Department of Land Use and Growth Management Planner II Hannah Pinkerton, the project may require variances from the Board of Appeals to reduce the buffer yard along an adjoining lot and along Old Village Road.
The plan proposes new entrances off Old Village Road and Hills Club Road. There would be a commercial entrance at both locations.
Mechanicsville VFD President William Smith and Board of Directors member John Montgomery were in the audience but did not testify. There was no public comment on the project.
The planners thanked the volunteers for their service to the community. The company (Number 2) has been in existence for 80 years). The commission quickly and enthusiastically supported the project.
During the meeting Howard Thompson was unanimously reappointed chairman. An effort by board member Martin Siebert to have Hal Willard succeed Shelby Guazzo as vice chairman failed to gather enough votes and Guazzo was reappointed on a 4-2 vote.
Contact Dick Myers at dick.myers@thebaynet.com
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