top of page

Issue of whether to study reuse of Collinsville Fire Station going to town meeting but funding still in question

By John Fitts

Staff Writer

 

CANTON – On June 27, residents will have a chance to weigh in on whether the town should seek funding for a feasibility study on the cost of repurposing the existing fire station at 51 River Road. Specifically the question for the evening will be "Shall the Town of Canton seek funding to complete a feasibility study and cost estimate for repurposing the existing Collinsville Fire Station, located at 51 River Road, as a storage facility."


Residents, however, should be aware that, as it stood at press time, there was no guarantee that funding for the study would ultimately be available even if they say a collective “yes.”


As the town builds a new fire station next door to the current facility, demolition of the existing circa 1972 building has long been the plan. In fact, the November 2021 referendum for the new facility, passed by residents by a count of 2,061 to 834, included a provision to raze the existing station, with the text as follows: “Shall the town of Canton appropriate $5,400,000 for the construction of a new fire station at 51 River Road, including testing and analysis, demolition of existing fire station and site work and related improvements, and authorize the issue of bonds or notes and temporary notes in an aggregate amount not to exceed $5,400,000 to finance said appropriation?”


Funding for the demolition itself is now outside the project itself due to cost overruns. It would likely come from American Rescue Plan Act funding and is currently estimated at $102,303.65. There would also be an estimated $17,098.85 for site restoration and some remediation costs as well.


In recent months, however, several residents have come forward and urged the town to look at the issue again and consider a study to assess whether the building could be used for other purposes, including storage needs. At one recent meeting, resident Robert Bahre submitted a petition with some 200 signatures and while it legally didn’t force a town meeting, selectmen leaned in the direction. And a recent bond attorney opinion noted that the Board of Selectman has latitude on the project, particularly since the funding source for demolition is outside the bonding funds.


Other residents, particularly several who live near the facility, have pushed back on the idea, contending the town should stick to the original plan. And at its most recent meeting on June 12, selectmen received more input on the idea.


Additionally Chief Administrative Officer Robert Skinner has noted that keeping the building operating or even mothballing it would come with costs. There are other issues. Stormwater management plans for the new facility rely on the current building and lot not being there and site plan modification would be required. The town has also received a grant for a frontage sidewalk that also utilizes the area.


Selectmen have heard many opinions on the matter and at a June 12 meeting more residents spoke the issue.


Former First Selectman Richard Barlow advocated for the town to take possession of the Superfund property at 51 Albany, the former site of Mitchell Volkswagen and currently used for parking by Mitchell Auto. He noted that the owner of the property, a company in Ohio, haven’t paid taxes in year. Barlow also said legal changes in the property transfer act now allow the town to assume the property without provisions a private company would have to follow.


“The town receives no taxes on that property. Cadle Company out of Ohio walked away from that property because of subsurface contamination and they have not paid taxes. Mitchell has basically squatted there and used that facility free of charge providing no income to the town for that – no donations to in lieu of taxes or any other opportunities to increase the town coffers.”


While he wasn’t at the meeting, Steven Mitchell, Vice President of the Mitchell Auto Group, responded at a request from the Valley Press, calling the issue a “conundrum for many years now.”


“I don’t agree with the term squatting… I think we are equally perplexed as everyone else as to what to do with the property. In the meantime, we are keeping the property and keeping it nice as a gateway property for Canton.  We are maintaining the property and making it look like a respectable business,” he said, adding that the company is avoiding a “Wagner Ford” situation – referring to a property in Simsbury that sat vacant for many, many years.

“No one wants a gateway building that is very unsightly - that doesn’t help anyone,” he said.


At the meeting, Barlow also questioned whether the fire station would be adequate and detailed some features of 51 Albany.


“I firmly believe based on my engineering experience that you’re going to find it’s extremely difficult to do storage in the upstairs of the old fire building. That building has got, I believe, some structural issues with capacity up there and it also has nothing other than common pedestrian stairs to access that area. So, I’m here this evening asking if you’re going to be doing a study of that facility that you look at a facility I think is far more advantageous,” he said, adding that the town could perhaps still rent out space for parking at 51 Albany.  


Holly Hambleton, who lives near the fire station, also commented on the issue.  


“It is a much better building that what it is replacing,” she said of the new station under construction. “I strongly disagree with the repurposing of the present station. Open space was taken from the softball field. The old station’s demolition replaces that.”


Lisa Coggins supported the idea of the study.


“I actually support the funding of study to determine if the current firehouse can be used as storage based on the information that there is a storage demand and there’s not a lot of opportunity for storage facilities,” Coggins said. 


At a June 12 meeting, Skinner told selectmen that the town is working with a $10,000 figure for an engineering study of the building. He noted that the town’s fund balance – or reserves – is currently the only source officials see the money coming from. However, using that fund requires approval from the Board of Finance and a subsequent town meeting.


Selectmen debated whether it made sense to first schedule a town meeting on the threshold question of whether residents wanted to pursue the issue or to first go the Board of Finance so residents would know if that board was willing to tap into the reserves.


Elizabeth Corkum Winsor noted that in the past few months, selectmen have heard from residents for and against.


“I don’t know if we really have a pulse on what needs to be done here because at any given meeting we have a group of people that are either advocating for pausing or saying we need to stick with the [vote],” she said. “I think we need a bigger discussion.”


Selectman Stephen Sedor questioned the idea of going to residents with no guarantee of funding if they say yes.


He said, in part, “So, then the question is going to be, I guess, sort of the chicken and the egg. Do we want to have a town meeting that says shall we do this study?. … Let’s say the town meeting says yes …then the BOF decides no we’re not going to appropriate the funds. Is it better to have that answer prior to the town meeting or not? I guess the way I look at is I would rather know if the funds would be appropriated before we ask the citizens. …it seems to me I would rather have the answer as to the funding first.”


First Selectman Kevin Witkos disagreed, contending that if residents say no to the idea it’s done but if they say yes, the town would have a stronger argument to present to the finance board.


Ultimately, selectmen agreed.


“Kevin has a very, very good point,” Sedor said. “We have a much more legitimate position to stand on to ask the Board of Finance for funding if we have a town meeting that says yes we want to do it.”


“I think it’s incumbent on our board and the Board of Finance to listen to our residents,” Winsor said. “I would be in favor of holding the town meeting to ask [residents] whether or not we should fund the feasibility study. I think we owe it to [the residents] because every single meeting we’ve been at, somebody is talking about this issue.”


The meeting will take place at June 27 at 7 p.m. in the High School auditorium.

VAL_01.jpg
WHL_01.jpg

Valley Happenings

Fighting Cancer Pasta Dinner:

Benefit for Avon Volunteer Fire Department

Deputy Chief Dave Theriault

Saturday, February 22, 2025, 3:00-7:00 p.m. 

Avon Senior Center, 635 West Avon Road, Avon

AVFD Deputy Chief of Administration Dave Theriault is facing a tough battle against Stage 4 cancer. The AVFD, along with Tunxis Hose Co. No. 1 and the Farmington Fire Department, is holding a pasta dinner to help raise money for Chief Theriault’s medical expenses. In addition to delicious food, drinks, and camaraderie, the event will feature dozens of raffle prizes. Event tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for seniors and children under 10 years old. They can be purchased at the door or in advance at AVFD Headquarters, 25 Darling Drive, Avon (Mondays, 8:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. and Tuesdays-Fridays, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.). Contributions can be made via Venmo @supportDave or by mail to the AVFD at 25 Darling Drive, Avon, CT 06001. 

Canton Community Health Fund Applications

Canton Community Health Fund, Inc. Opens 2025 Application Season, on March 1, 2025, for Canton Community Partner Grants & Canton Scholars Pursuing Careers in Healthcare or Public Safety Canton Community Health Fund, Inc. (CCHF), opens its grant and scholarship application season March 1. CCHF encourages State of CT certified non-profits serving the Canton community to apply for Community Partner grants. In addition, graduating high school seniors seeking higher education in healthcare or public safety are invited to apply for either a Dr. Diters Legacy Scholarship or a Pay It Forward Scholarship. Applications and informative Fact Sheets are available online at www.cantoncommunityhealthfund.org.  Community Partner Grant and Scholarship awards will be announced in June/2025.

 

Avon Library events

AVON –The following events are scheduled at Avon Free Public Library. The library is at Avon Library, 281 Country Club Road, Avon. All programs are in person except where noted. For more information on adult programs, contact Adult Services Reference Desk via avonref@avonctlibrary.info 860-673-9712 x 7203

• Antique Map Collecting 101, Saturday, Feb. 1 at 1 p.m. Registration is required: https://www.avonctlibrary.info/event/antique-map-collecting/

• Morning Book Club. Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 10:30 a.m., The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose, Registration is required: https://www.avonctlibrary.info/events/tag/morning-book-club/

• Meditation for Balance and Inner Contentment. (Virtual Event) Thursday, Feb. 6 at 7 pm.

• Eastern Coyotes in Connecticut (Virtual Event) Thursday, Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m.

• Fashion and the First Lady (Virtual Event). Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 2 p.m.

• Hoop Skirts to Flappers: Eighty Years of Connecticut Fashion. Monday, Feb. 24 at 2 p.m.

• The Golden Age of Hollywood. (Virtual Event) Tuesday, March 4 at 2 pm.

 

Simsbury Lions Club

The Simsbury Lions Club is looking for people interested in volunteering and contributing to better our town. Our motto is “We serve,” and we do so by volunteering at local events and donating our proceeds to serving interests in our community.

If interested, please feel free to contact Sandy Kremer at Tprkremer@gmail.com or Philip Painchaud at painchaudp@gmail.com.”

 

Winter sowing workshop

The Farmington Land trust is hosting a winter sowing workshop focused on raising native plants. Make your own up-cycled greenhouse from a milk jug and prep some beneficial native plants for the coming growing season. Sunday, Feb 2 from 11a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Farmington Senior Center. RSVP here: https://www.farmingtonlandtrust.org/event-details/winter-sowing-seminar-native-seed-planting

 

Wild Flowers from Spring to Fall

CANTON – The Cherry Brook Garden Club is hosting a lecture on “Following Our Wild Flowers from Spring to Fall” on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 11 a.m. at the Canton Community Center, lower level, 40 Dyer Avenue. Steve Messier, Lichenologist and former Science teacher at Canton High School will discuss the topic. The lecture is open to the public. There is a $5 guest fee for non-members. Email questions to cherrybrookgardenclub@gmail.com.

 

‘Five Wishes’ at McLean

SIMSBURY – Join Kevin Baran, M.D., medical director, and the McLean Hospice Team for a special “McLean & Me Educational Series” presentation to learn how to talk about and record your wishes for care through the end of life, so those wishes can be understood and respected. The presentation will be held at McLean’s Garmany Performing Arts Center, 50 Sarah Lane, Simsbury, on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 6 p.m. The presentation is free but an RSVP by Feb. 4 is required as seating is limited. A light dinner will be provided.

To register, visit McLeanCare.org/Events, email Margaret.Clark@McLeanCare.org, or call 860-658-3718.

 

‘Art Throb!’ Exhibit

Gallery on the Green presents “Art Throb!” Exhibit plus a Solo Exhibit by Kathi Packer Friday, Feb. 14 through Saturday, March 15. An opening reception is on Saturday, Feb. 15 from 6-8 p.m. and will include refreshments. The show and reception are free.

“Art Throb!” is a heartfelt Valentine’s Day celebration presented by the membership of Canton Artists’ Guild. The artists use a wide range of media including painting, prints, drawing, photography, sculpture, ceramics and mixed media to represent the emotional intensity, joy and complexity of love.

In the upstairs Gallery, Kathi Packer has a solo show, “Another Tale.”  Packer notes that a friend’s casual invitation to go on safari in 2008 substantially changed the direction of her artistic journey.The gallery is located near the intersection of Dowd Avenue and Route 44 at 5 Canton Green Road in Canton. Hours are Friday – Sunday, 1-5 pm. The main floor gallery is handicapped accessible.

Website: http://www.galleryonthegreen.org; Phone:  860-693-4102

 

TABLESCAPES fundraiser returns to benefit the new

Avon History Museum

AVON – The Avon Historical Society invites the public to its sixth TABLESCAPES event showcasing up to 30 creative and original table settings on Friday, March 14 and Saturday, March 15 at the historic North House, 1 Nod Road, Avon.

This event will feature themed table settings from local professional designers, florists, businesses, individuals, artists and others featuring fresh floral arrangements, centerpieces and accessories. Proceeds will benefit the installation of professionally curated exhibits in the new Avon History Museum scheduled to open on Friday, July 4, 2025.

Back by popular demand will be a “Table and Barware Tag Sale” on both days. Admission to TABLESCAPES includes the tag sale. Tickets are $20 each pre-sale and at the door. Tickets can be purchased online at www.avonhistoricalsociety.org or by calling Mary Harrop at 860-670-3225 before March 8.

Those interested in sponsorship opportunities can also call Harrop.

 

Alzheimer’s Support Group

FARMINGTON – Hearts, Hugs & Hope: An Alzheimer’s Support Group takes place Feb. 20, 2025, 6 p.m. at Farmington Station Assisted Living and Memory Care Community, 111 Scott Swamp Road, Farmington. Dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia isn’t easy, so it is helpful to share your concerns and personal experiences with others who completely understand what you’re going through. You will also learn about proven strategies to help you better care for your family member. This group is being offered both in person and via Zoom on the third Thursday of each month. If you plan to attend, contact Director of Compass Programming Katherine Jedynasty at kjedynasty@farmingtonslr.com.

 

Used book sale

AVON - A huge book sale will be held Feb. 28 and March 1 in St. Ann’s Church Hall, 289 Arch Road at Route 167.  Hours are Friday, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. ($5 adult admission) and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (no admission fee).

Thousands of books will be organized in separate sections, including Fiction, History, Biography, Politics, Children, Music, Cooking, Sports, Art, Vintage, and more!  A large selection of Children’s books will be available.  Fiction books will be divided by hardcover, paperback, and trade paperback and sorted alphabetically by author.  DVDs, CDs, books on CDs, Vinyl records, and puzzles will be available, also.  Most books will be $3 or less with vintage and specialty books priced higher.

 

Daisy Days: All-Girls Summer Day Camp Experience

FARMINGTON – Miss Porter’s School, a renowned institution with a legacy of empowering young women, is excited to announce the launch of Daisy Days, an all-new day camp for girls entering grades 3-5 this fall. Starting this summer, Daisy Days will offer a unique, joy-filled experience designed to spark creativity, build confidence, and inspire self-discovery in an empowering all-girls environment.

For additional details, visit pcgl.porters.org/daisy-days.

 

Artist demonstration

Avon Arts Association will hold a guest artist demonstration featuring  Granby artist Laura Eden on Tuesday, February 18 at  Avon Town Hall, 60 W. Main St., lower level, at 6:30 p.m. Ms. Eden will demonstrate egg tempera painting.

The demo is free and open to the public ($5 suggested donation). A workshop with Ms. Eden will be held at the same location in the Avon Room on Saturday, Feb. 22, 10-2 with  set up at 9:30. Fee: $45 for members, $55 for nonmembers). www.AvonArts.org

Have a press release or story idea? Send me a note.

Thanks for submitting!

© 2023 by Train of Thoughts. Proudly created with Wix.com

bottom of page