Editor, Gazette-Journal:
I’m writing in support of the Gloucester Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad Station 1 remaining on Main Street. As a fifth generation Gloucester resident, I recognize that not only is there substantial evidence provided by the study GVFRS completed based off of county information and population projections, but it’s also an iconic fixture to the history of Gloucester Main Street.
GVFRS was established in 1937 with Station 1 being built on Main Street in 1946. In 2023 GVFRS ran 2,297 calls from Station 1. Due to the increasing population and advances in technology an updated, larger station is a necessity to the operations of GVFRS as it serves our growing community. The current Station 1 is outdated and not up to National Fire Protection Association standards. GVFRS began planning to build a new Station 1 well over five years ago, projecting the project to take 18-24 months. This time has been far surpassed due to opposition from members of the community. While GV...