Princeton Rescue Squad Has Expansion Plans for Harrison Street Headquarters
The Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad has outgrown its headquarters and members hope to build a new facility at the corner of Harrison Street and Clearview Avenue.
“We’ve been looking for a suitable property since 2003,” Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad President Peter Simon said. “We’ve grown over the years. Our building, which was built in 1963, was not meant for 90 volunteers and six paid staff. The need for a new building has been clear for many years now.”
The rescue squad bought two homes on Clearview Avenue, solicited proposals from architects to build new headquarters, and has selected an architect for the $7.2 million project.
“We’re eager to work with the town and the community to start the process of building facilities that will meet the needs of the community,” Simon said.
The Princeton Township Committee unanimously voted Monday night to introduce a zoning ordinance that would allow for the new facility to be built. The ordinance will go to the planning board for a review and the Township Committee will vote on adopting the zoning changes on Nov. 19.
A plan was proposed about two years ago to have the Borough and Township take over the old portion of the Valley Road School on Witherspoon Street, borrow money, expand the firehouse next door, and build a new headquarters for the Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad and Corner House at the Valley Road site. A competing plan called for a community center for nonprofits at the location. The school board for the Princeton Public Schools has not decided what to do with the Valley Road School property. Meanwhile, Corner House will move to Borough Hall after consolidation.
Krystal Knapp is the founding editor of Planet Princeton. Follow her on Twitter @krystalknapp. She can be reached via email at editor AT planetprinceton.com. Send all letters to the editor and press releases to that email address.
NOT a good idea. This residential area is already under threat of become entire commercialized.
The rescue squad need to expand if it is going to provide the service Princeton demands and this is a good area to do that. And YES I do live in this area
As both a member and resident of the township I agree. We’ve outgrown the building… there is simply no room to move. Bays are tight, quarters are small, and office space is limited We do a lot for the community so of course we need adequate space.