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.
Goals
- 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.
Budget
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.
Location Options
100 Broadway
Evaluate whether the existing fire station can be renovated or reconfigured to meet current and future Fire Department needs. This will include looking at whether the building can be expanded, whether another floor could be added, or whether the existing station could be demolished and replaced with a new facility on the same property.
The review will also look closely at the limitations of the site, including the size and shape of the property, the space needed in front of the station for fire trucks to safely enter and exit, vehicle circulation, setbacks, building size, and how fire operations could continue during construction.
33 Petrova Avenue
Evaluate demolition of the existing building and construction of a new fire station at 33 Petrova Avenue. The review will include site preparation, utilities, building placement, fire truck access and circulation, emergency access to nearby roads, and potential impacts on surrounding properties.
Both properties will be evaluated using the same Fire Department operating needs, site requirements, and budget limits. What can be built at each location, what the major challenges and tradeoffs are, and what each option would cost. That information will give the Village Board and the public a clear basis for deciding which option is the most practical and financially responsible path forward.
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 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?
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.