VILLAGE ADVANCES BUDGET-FIRST FIRE STATION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 14, 2026
VILLAGE ADVANCES BUDGET-FIRST FIRE STATION

SARANAC LAKE, NY -- Village of Saranac Lake is transitioning from a combined public safety facility to evaluating a dedicated fire station at two Village-owned properties at 100 Broadway and 33 Petrova Avenue.

The next phase will focus on the Fire Department’s firefighter health and safety, full project costs, and affordability over the life of the facility. No site or design has been selected. The Public Safety Building Committee recommended separate fire and rescue facilities at 33 Petrova Avenue, with the Village building the fire station and the Rescue Squad funding its own building on the same property. It also recommended that the Police Department remain at the Armory for as long as feasible. These recommendations did not constitute Village Board approval of a site, construction project, or funding commitment. The Village thanks committee members for their time, expertise, and work. Their recommendations and the information developed through the earlier planning process will remain part of the project.

The earlier Wendel Five Bugles schematic described a 57,459-square-foot combined facility with an estimated total cost of approximately $37 million. That concept is no longer being pursued. The Police Department operates at the Armory, and the Rescue Squad is a separate private organization. The Fire Department has the most immediate facility need and is the Village’s priority. The proposed evaluation would examine renovation, reconfiguration, expansion, or replacement of the existing station at 100 Broadway. At 33 Petrova Avenue, it would examine demolition of the existing building and construction of a new fire station. Both properties would be assessed against the same operating needs and budget limits. The review would address firefighter health and safety, emergency vehicle access and circulation, site constraints, surrounding impacts, continuity of service during construction, and annual operating and maintenance costs.

At its July 27, 2026 work session, the Village Board established a budget-first approach to understand future operating costs, potential contributions from surrounding towns, and what the Village can accomplish with its available resources. The Village has identified $6,704,798 in funding sources, consisting of $4,700,532 in appropriations and $2,004,266 in reserves. Applicable funding conditions, eligible uses, and remaining balances will be confirmed before funds are committed. The Village will continue working with the towns of Harrietstown, North Elba, and St. Armand to establish fire protection agreements. Operating support and capital contribution will be necessary. The Village is also exploring direct Route 3 access from 33 Petrova Avenue, potential funding for demolition, and the operational and financial feasibility of a regional fire district. Planning cannot assume approvals, funding, or regional arrangements that are not yet in place.

Project information and opportunities for public participation will be shared through Village communications, Board meeting materials, and the project webpage: https://www.saranaclakeny.gov/fire-station.