St. Paul Boulevard Fire District $21.8M Firehouse Construction Project

Rochester, N.Y. — The St. Paul Boulevard Fire District is moving forward with a major construction initiative to replace its aging 40-year-old firehouse facility with a modern $21.8 million state-of-the-art building. Published by RochesterFirst (WROC-TV) on December 18, 2025, Fire Chief Kenneth Stavlone presented the comprehensive plan to community residents, emphasizing the critical need for a facility that meets contemporary health, safety, and operational standards for firefighters.

The Project Overview

The St. Paul Boulevard Fire District is seeking resident approval for a $21.8 million bond to fund construction of a new firehouse that will address significant shortcomings in the current 40-year-old facility. According to Chief Stavlone, the existing structure fails to meet essential health, safety, and operational readiness requirements necessary for modern firefighting operations.

The proposed building itself will cost just over $18 million, with the remaining bond funds allocated to cover potential construction cost escalations, professional services, and furnishings. Chief Stavlone emphasized that the bond will not exceed the legal maximum allowed by state regulations.

Key Project Features & Design

The new firehouse design represents a comprehensive modernization addressing critical operational gaps:

• Decontamination Areas: The current facility lacks adequate decontamination zones for firefighters returning from fire scenes, exposing them to carcinogenic residues on equipment and clothing.
• Shower and Sanitation: The existing structure has only one public restroom shower for all firefighters. The new facility will include multiple private bathrooms with individual showers to prevent cross-contamination and protect crew health.
• Private Sleeping Quarters: New design includes separate living spaces with private bedrooms for on-duty crews, preventing unnecessary carcinogen exposure between shifts.
• Training Facility: A self-funded, on-site training facility behind the station will enable technical drills and advanced training within district boundaries.
• Future Capacity: The design accounts for potential staffing increases and operational growth over coming decades.

Construction Timeline & Tax Impact

The bond vote is scheduled for December 30, 2025. If approved, property owners will see a tax increase of approximately 33 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value—roughly $5 per month or $62 annually for the average homeowner in the district.

Chief Stavlone acknowledged community concerns about the December 30 voting date, recognizing that the holiday season timing limits accessibility for many residents. He committed to improving communication efforts, including posting recorded versions of the community presentation and considering targeted outreach mailers to ensure all residents have access to project information.

Why This Matters for Rochester Public Safety

Modern firefighting demands facilities that protect the health and safety of firefighting personnel while enabling rapid emergency response. The St. Paul Boulevard Fire District serves multiple Rochester neighborhoods and surrounding areas. The current facility's deficiencies directly impact crew health outcomes and operational efficiency.

According to fire service research cited by Chief Stavlone, firefighters face significantly elevated cancer risks due to occupational carcinogen exposure. Proper decontamination, separate living quarters, and improved sanitation directly mitigate these health hazards. A modern firehouse also enables enhanced training capabilities, improving emergency response readiness for the communities served.

The $21.8 million investment positions the district to maintain responsive fire service for the next 40+ years while meeting contemporary occupational health standards for firefighting professionals.

Community Response & Next Steps

Community members at the December 17 presentation expressed mixed reactions, with several residents questioning the project timeline and limited advance notice. Some indicated they would prefer broader community engagement before the vote. Chief Stavlone acknowledged these concerns and pledged enhanced communication moving forward.

The December 30, 2025 vote will be the determining factor. If approved, the district will move into design refinement and contractor bidding phases in early 2026, with potential groundbreaking in mid-2026. The full construction project is anticipated to span 18-24 months depending on site conditions and contractor scheduling.

For Rochester area residents interested in learning more about the project, the St. Paul Boulevard Fire District is expected to provide updated information and the recorded community presentation on their official website and through local media outlets.

Westside Construction Group has over 30 years of experience managing complex public infrastructure projects including fire services facilities, water infrastructure, and community development initiatives across Upstate New York. For inquiries about construction project management expertise, visit buildwcg.com.