Local electeds: Project underway for new Middle River fire station

Delegates Ryan Nawrocki and Kathy Szeliga joined Baltimore County Councilman David Marks for an event Oct. 3 that marked the start of site preparation for what will be the new Middle River Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company, according to a recent statement.

Over the past several months the Nawrocki, Szeliga and Marks collaborated with the fire company in their efforts to demolish existing structures and begin site preparation work at the future firehouse site at the corner of Bengies Road and White Marsh Boulevard.

Their efforts included working with various county agencies to help fast-track the initial work which allowed MRVFRC to move toward a new fire station serving the Middle River area.

“A new Middle River Volunteer Fire House is desperately needed to accommodate the continued growth of residents and businesses in the community,” Nawrocki said.

“Councilman Marks, Delegate Szeliga and I have worked in unison to secure funding for several volunteer fire stations in the community including Middle River and we look forward to continuing to support their efforts as they get closer to completing their new home.”

The new facility, which is expected to be roughly 23,000 square feet, is far along in the planning and development process, Nawrocki and Szeliga said. The expanded square footage will allow for enhanced fire and rescue capabilities.

A community room for local residents and organizations will be included in the new firehouse along with accommodation for a live-in program for first responders.

“Today was another important step in bringing our communities the enhanced fire and rescue services they desperately need,” MRVFRC board chair Roger Bedard said on Oct. 3. “We will continue to update the community as more progress occurs for the new building.”

Nawrocki and Szeliga represent District 7A in the Maryland House of Delegates. Their jurisdiction includes Middle River, White Marsh, Perry Hall, Kingsville, Carney, Loch Raven, Glen Arm, Long Green and Baldwin.

“I am pleased that MRVFRC has successfully received approval for the necessary demolition permit to remove adjacent structures on the new property,” Szeliga said. “This location off Route 43 will enhance the company’s ability to serve Baltimore County citizens with greater efficiency and modern capabilities.”

Marks, who represents District 5, expressed similar sentiments.

“This is one of the first major steps toward building a state-of-the-art fire station to serve the growing Middle River community,” he said. “This is very important and I will continue to support fire stations throughout Bowleys Quarters, Middle River, and across the eastside.”