Binghamton officials are taking steps that could lead to the closing of two neighborhood fire stations in the city and the opening of a new consolidated facility.

For years, there have been internal discussions at City Hall about opening a new station that could replace some of the older buildings now used by the fire department.

The city now is moving to seek proposals for the fire station consolidation study. Firms interested in conducting the review have until September 26 to provide their qualifications to the city.

Station Three at 39 West State Street on Binghamton's North Side. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
Station Three at 39 West State Street on Binghamton's North Side. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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Stations on West State Street on the North Side and on Robinson Street on the East Side could be closed. They would be replaced by a new facility that would be built on city-owned land at Brandywine Avenue and Robinson Street.

Station Four at 176 Robinson Street on Binghamton's East Side. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
Station Four at 176 Robinson Street on Binghamton's East Side. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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In a May 2016 WNBF News interview, Mayor Richard David acknowledged that he had "been exploring" the concept of a consolidated fire station. At the time, he would not address whether the move would result in reducing the number of fire department employees.

Following the mayor's comments on the Binghamton Now radio program, three members of City Council issued a statement expressing concern about possible fire station closings and the potential for a loss of jobs.

Under the city's projected timetable, a firm would be hired to conduct the study by the end of the year. A consolidation report could then be completed by next June.

A consolidate Binghamton fire station could be built at this site at 26 Brandywine Avenue. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
A consolidated Binghamton fire station could be built at this site at 26 Brandywine Avenue. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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The study is to provide an evaluation of what the changes would mean for response times and insurance ratings.

The review would include pros and cons of a possible fire station consolidation.

The Binghamton Fire Department's central station is at City Hall at State and Hawley streets. Other stations are on Main Street on the West Side and on Conklin Avenue on the South Side.

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com

For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.

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