Demolition Begins To Make Way For New Potowomut Fire Station

Warwick has begun preparing the Potowomut School building for demolition to make way for a new fire station, according to a report in the Warwick Beacon. The move has serious budget implications for East Greenwich, which has been getting $350,000 a year to provide fire service to the area.

An asbestos removal team was working on the school last week preparing it for demolition. Warwick Fire Chief Edmund Armstrong told the Beacon he expected a new fire station to be standing on the site by this time next year. 

Potowomut School closed in 2008. The school was never cleaned out and had developed potential mold issues. In September, Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian said the city had shopped to building around to a number of real estate agents; feedback convinced city officials they would have a hard time finding a tenant for the space.

Warwick voters approved a $2 million bond to build a Potowomut station in 2006. Armstrong told the Beacon he did not anticipate needing to spend additional money on staffing or equipment. He said they would shift an engine company from another station. In addition, the city would be able to pay back the bond through the savings gained by ending the East Greenwich payments.

For East Greenwich, the development comes just as the town is getting used to bearing the burdens of a municipal fire department. Up until last June, fire service was provided through the East Greenwich Fire District, a separate municipal taxing authority. After EG voters approved the idea of merging the fire district with the town in November 2012, the town had legislation introduced into the General Assembly to do just that. That legislation passed and was signed into law by Gov. Lincoln Chafee in June.

Since then, the firefighters have come to an agreement with the town on a new three-year contract and Fire Chief Peter Henrikson has resigned. The budget for the fire department for fiscal year 2014 is $3.7 million. The $350,000 payment from Warwick represents just over 10 percent of that budget.

East Greenwich Town Manager Tom Coyle said Deputy Fire Chief Russell McGillvray had spoken to Chief Armstrong regarding the matter. 

"We are hopeful that we will be able to cover the rescue runs," said Coyle. "Talks are still in progress."