Fire Station Planning
The Village of Saranac Lake is evaluating options to address the Fire Department’s facility needs at Village-owned properties.
The planning process will examine how each property could accommodate a practical fire station that supports dependable emergency response, protects firefighter health and safety, and remains affordable to build, operate, and maintain.
Planning Goals
The planning process will consider:
- Firefighter health and safety.
- Fire Department’s essential operational and space needs.
- Effective use of property the Village owns.
- Safe emergency vehicle access and circulation.
- Full project costs and long-term operating and maintenance costs.
- Continuity of emergency services during construction.
- Regional service responsibilities and financial participation.
- Public input before a site and design are selected.
Financial Framework
At its July 27, 2026 work session, the Village Board established a budget-first approach, identifying the need to understand future operating costs, contributions from the surrounding towns, and what the Village can accomplish with its available resources.
The Village has identified $6,704,798 in project funding, consisting of:
| Funding source | Identified amount |
|---|---|
| Appropriation | $4,700,532 |
| Reserves | $2,004,266 |
| Total | $6,704,798 |
Grant conditions, eligible uses, and remaining balances must be confirmed before funds are committed to a particular project.
Evaluating the Properties
100 Broadway
The current fire station property consists of two parcels totaling approximately 0.59 acres. The evaluation will examine renovation, reconfiguration, an addition if feasible, and replacement construction within the existing property.
33 Petrova Avenue
The evaluation will examine a fire-focused facility, including the existing building’s disposition, site preparation, utilities, emergency vehicle access, and surrounding impacts.
Both properties will be assessed against the same essential operating requirements and financial framework. The analysis will identify what each site can accommodate, significant constraints, full project costs, and how services would continue during construction.
Questions Under Review
We are currently investigating these specific questions:
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Route 3 access: Can the Village secure approval for direct access from 33 Petrova Avenue to Route 3?
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Fire district: Is creating a fire district serving the Village and surrounding communities legally, operationally, and financially feasible?
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Demolition funding: Is grant funding available and eligible to support demolition of the existing building at 33 Petrova Avenue?
Findings will include costs, conditions, and required approvals. These investigations will inform the options; they do not authorize demolition, establish a fire district, or select a facility site.
Discussions with Harrietstown, North Elba, and St. Armand will also continue regarding dependable service agreements and potential contributions toward construction.
Project Background
Earlier planning considered a combined police, fire, and rescue facility at 33 Petrova Avenue. The Wendel Five Bugles schematic described a 57,459-square-foot facility with an estimated total cost of approximately $37 million. That combined-facility concept is not the scope currently being advanced.
The Police Department is operating at the Armory. The Rescue Squad operates as a separate private organization. The Fire Department has the most immediate facility need and is the Village’s first priority.