Thursday April 25, 2024 
Questions for WSL Fire Department
The WSLFD is hosting a “public” meeting June 14th on their plan to demolish the historic 1873 West Sand Lake Firehouse as part of their $11 million new firehouse proposal. As Chief Heffern’s has said only WSL Fire District residents are “invited”, here are four questions:
First, in developing your “Demolition Alternative”, did WSLFD review the Town’s 2019 Comprehensive Plan, in particular its “Vision for Sand Lake’s Future” and chapter “Hamlet and Neighborhood Preservation”?
Second, Chief Heffern has stated (in writing) that the cost to “separate” the Historic 1873 Firehouse from the 1911 community hall would add “between $150,000 and $250,000” to the project’s $11 million estimate. Cost more to not demolish? The two are separate structures, built 38 years apart, connected by a converted porch. Is this wide-ranging estimate the work of a licensed structural engineer? At current costs, a brand new 1,500 square foot house could be built for $250,000.
Third, the proposed firehouse includes upgraded kitchen, meeting and banquet facilities, placing a government-operated, taxpayer-supported facility in direct competition with private businesses in town (such as the nearby Arlington House, The Lakeview, and Tighe’s Bistro). Has WSLFD done a market study or consulted with these vital local businesses on this project? Has WSLFD reached out to area businesses (such as Averill Perk or Unbreakable Nutrition) to gauge interest in adaptive reuse of the historic 1873 firehouse?
Fourth, by limiting invitations to the June 14th “public” meeting, the WSLFD clearly seeks to limit public input. Don’t all Sand Lake residents have a stake in a new WSL firehouse? Doesn’t WSLFD provide emergency services to all of us, our family and friends, kids at school, when we shop? Don’t we all share a vision for how Sand Lake preserves our history?
I encourage all who are able to attend the meeting on June 14th.
Pete Finn, Sand Lake
Overdoses in Rensselaer County
Per the Rensselaer County Executive social media feed, as of late May the county has seen 42 fatal overdoes in 2023. By comparison, in all of 2022 45 fatal overdoses and 58 overdoes in 2021. We are not halfway 2023 and we are on track to significantly exceed the number of fatal overdoses in the last two years.
This is a serious issue and I am glad that the county is discussing and offer options to those in need. The County Health department has a helpline (833-467-3123) for those seeking to start to path to recovery. The county has made Naloxone (generic version of Narcan) available across the county as well as allowing residents to pick it up at the Troy Farmer’s Market and recently at the North Greenbush Town Hall.
Breaking addictions is hard. I am glad the county is making Naloxone, a life-savings drug that can reverse quickly reverses the powerful effects of opioids during an overdose available. We are a community and should look out for each other.
Michael Myer, North Greenbush