Article 36 seeks funding to design the renovation of the Atherton Street fire station, the final station in the town’s multi-year modernization plan. The historic station currently features two narrow bays that are insufficient for modern fire engines. The proposal includes rehabbing the historic building and adding three modern, full-sized bays.

Warrant Committee Chair Jay Funling explained that the committee initially questioned the need for five total bays but ultimately supported the plan. The three new bays would house an engine, a backup truck, and a future tanker truck needed for fighting fires in areas like the Blue Hills. We're recommending the money to design it now so town meeting can be involved before they come to us in the fall for building funds, Funling said.