The Fire Dept.'s Woeful Tale

Read it and weep. That's the only way to foreshadow the detailed report the Putnam Valley Volunteer Fire Department provided to Town Supervisor Alison Jolicoeur following her tour of the construction site of its new headquarters at 216 Oscawana Lake Road. The litany of mistakes, bad luck and legal battles is simply breathtaking.

From underestimating the amount of bedrock that would have to be removed, to incorrect steel fabrication, to minimizing the impact of winter weather on concrete pouring, to pandemic-related delays, to the death of the owner of the contracting company, to turnover of project managers, to problems with the elevator installation and the heating system, to yet more improper fill being delivered, the list of mishaps is endless.

The department says it began planning for this new building in 2010, got a construction loan in 2020, and began work in June 2021 for what was supposed to be an 18-month project. In January 2025 the Fire Department terminated the contract for cause with Worth Construction, which had been the lowest bidder, and assumed the role of general contractor. As the report states, "At present, we remain responsible for the insurance, utilities, and maintenance of three stations, and each additional day carries financial impact."

The report does not say when the project will be finished or what the total cost, initially projected at $11.4 million, will be. However, when the building does open, the department promises to hold an open house that will include tours of the building and the equipment, plus a community barbecue. Godspeed!

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