Greater Binghamton, New York: New York: Apalachin

On April 27th, Apalachin, NY voters will have another chance to approve the building and renovation of thier fire house on Pennsylvania Avenue. Last month, by a margin of only 42 votes, residents dismissed the idea of the project. Talk about every vote counting!

The current Apalachin Fire Department facility is antiquated, too small for current needs and lacks the proper exhaust fume extraction system to prevent exposure to toxic fumes by our volunteers. Built in 1952, the current facility is too small to accomodate today's larger fire trucks. This in itself provides a hazard as the men prepare for an emergency exit. It is impossible for them to operate safely. This and other risks are also a risk to the taxpayers should a tragedy occur.

  Apalachin, a small hamlet located in Upstate New York in Tioga County, is a low-income area with an average home assessment of only $99,000. One can certainly understand the bitter taste that any tax increase would leave on some of the residents there. Many are on fixed incomes or out of work. However, these are also the same people that wouldn't hesitate to dial 911 knowing that the response time and service is excellent.

  After the failure to appove the project on March 16th, the Board of Fire Commissioners has looked hard at ways to reduce spending on this endeavor. They are seeking to eliminate some of the proposed bays, eliminated the bunks and shrink the rest of everything else.

The annual tax increase will now be only $62 per year for 25 years. This is down fron the original $77 per year. At only $1.19 per week per household, how can we say no to this project? The time to build is now before building costs go up. Contractors are eager to work so bids are expected to be low. Grant money is also being pursued adding to the savings for the taxpayer.

   There will be 4 voting stations available to
acommodate the heavy turnout that is once again
expected.   

  For more information on Apalachin and other beautiful towns in the Greater Binghamton Area, visit my website www.HouseBMine.com             

Apalachin residents weighed in yesterday on whether or not they wanted to spend 4.5 million dollars to renovate and extend the current Fire Station on Pensylvania Avenue. The vote was 542 to 500 against the project. Volunteer firefighters will have to continue to deal with the antiquated and overcrowded facility.

Perhaps they can come back with a less expensive version such as a metal building instead of the brick one that was proposed.  

Apalachin, in the Town of Owego residents vote today on a referendum deciding whether or not to spend 4.5 million dollars to upgrade and build out the current firehouse facility. Voter turn-out was especially heavy today in this hotly debated issue. Those in favor of the referendum hope to see a new facility added to the current one bringing the Apalachin station into the 21st century.

The existing station, built in 1952 and last renovated in 1976 is in desperate need of more space, upgraded equipmement, bunkers and and the addtition of a proper exhaust ventilation system. Taxes will rise approximately $71 per year based on a $99000 assessment. This is the average assessment for Apalachin but many homeowners will pay far less.

Many folks believe that the volunteers deserve the newer facility since they give so much of themselves no matter the day, no matter the weather. They hope that the new facility will attract fresh blood and encourage volunteers to spend more time at the station cutting down on response time.

Those opposed feel that the 4.5 million dollars is overkill and is not necessary to continue to provide excellent service to the residents of Apalachin. They believe that the current facility is sufficient since there have never been any code violations at the station. Some felt that in the current economic climate they should be looking at consolidating services with other local stations, not spending money to upgrade.

The polls close at 9pm and the results will be broadcast on local TV stations such as WGNG Channel 12.

      For more information on the Greater Binghamton Area and Apalachin, New York visit my website:

                                                      www.HouseBMine.com