Bristol Borough proposes single firehouse for four volunteer companies

Bristol Borough is moving forward with a plan to consolidate its four volunteer fire companies into a single centralized facility. The proposed site is located near the intersection of Jefferson Avenue and Canal Street.

The consolidation effort addresses three primary operational challenges facing the borough. First, volunteer staffing levels have declined, making it difficult to staff four separate stations adequately. Second, the current firehouse structures are aging and require significant maintenance. Third, maintaining four separate equipment and vehicle fleets drives up long-term costs for the municipality.

Fire Association President Steve Reeves estimates that the new facility would allow the borough to cut its vehicle fleet in half. Reeves projects this reduction will save taxpayers approximately $6 million. The proposed design also includes overnight accommodations for firefighters, ensuring personnel are on-site during shifts. Additionally, the plan calls for upgrades to the basketball courts located near the site.

Local residents have voiced specific concerns about the project. Many worry that increased emergency vehicle activity will affect local traffic patterns. Others raised questions about neighborhood safety, prompting calls for adjustments to the current proposal before final approval.

Middle Bucks Institute of Technology in New Britain is simultaneously managing its own capacity challenges. The school received 682 applications last year and accepted 65% of those applicants. With as many as 400 incoming students expected, the institution faces a space crunch, particularly as it prepares to replace approximately 350 graduates and departing students.

Flemming Godiksen, a representative for Centennial, stated that MBIT is developing a six-year comprehensive plan to address these needs. A three-year review is scheduled for that plan. The school recently received a $145,000 state Local Share Account grant specifically for equipment purchases. MBIT will hold its annual open house on November 12 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., when applications for prospective students will officially open.

Bensalem Township is also pursuing a major economic development project. The township council unanimously approved establishing a Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance district on a vacant industrial property on Somerton Road in Trevose. This tax relief measure aims to attract a family-owned manufacturing company's headquarters to the site. State Sen. Frank Farry (R-Langhorne) noted the project could bring as many as 300 jobs and at least $150 million in investment. The company had previously considered moving out of state. The proposal now requires approval from the Bensalem School Board and Bucks County officials.