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PITTSTON TWP. — The Pittston Township Volunteer Fire Department (PTVFD) is making a big change, perhaps the biggest in its nearly 100-year history, with plans to consolidate two firehouses into one.
Officials said the consolidated station and all fire equipment from both locations will occupy a remodeled former tire business on the Pittston Bypass, or South Township Boulevard, as it is formally known.
“Trying to run two firehouses was to the point were we just couldn’t afford it anymore,” Vice President and Assistant Fire Chief Allan Capozucca said. “With the (new) location, PTVFD will be centrally located in the township.”
PTVFD has been operating with two fire stations, at Bryden Street and in Suscon.
The Suscon station, located at the site of the Northeast Fair Grounds owned by PTVFD, was recently sold to an out-of-the-area ambulance company, while the department purchased the former Borino Tire & Auto Center at 3600 S. Township Blvd.
“We sold the station in Suscon, just the station, we still own the fairgrounds … and we’re in the process of remodeling Borino’s,” Capozucca said. “Once we get done with Borinos, we will be selling the Bryden Street firehouse.”
The Suscon station and property, totaling less than one square acre, was sold for $319,000 to VCI Ambulance, a New Jersey agency looking to move into the region. That transaction closed on Sept. 26. The remaining 13-acres owned by PTVFD is currently being leased to several trucking firms.
PTVFD purchased 90% of the Borino property for $775,000, with Interstate Aluminum purchasing the other 10%.
Capozucca said the former Borino building will need upgrading.
“We plan on opening up two additional garage doors and other renovations will need to be done and we believe those renovations will total about $330,000,” he explained.
The move is expected to take place between mid-December and early January, Capozucca added.
