PITTSBURGH — Some much-needed upgrades were underway Tuesday at Fire Station No. 8 in East Liberty following a Target 11 report earlier this year that exposed poor conditions there.
Firefighters who live and work at the firehouse told Target 11’s Rick Earle that they’re excited about the renovations project.
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“We're adding a few walls, new fixtures, restaurant equipment, better quality than what was here before,” building maintenance supervisor Henry Cafardi said.
Crews will also put in a new ceiling, paint the kitchen and living areas and replace a rotted out kitchen sink with a brand-new, commercial grade kitchen similar to the one at a firehouse in Oakland.
Four months ago, Target 11 first exposed the poor living and working conditions at the firehouse. Firefighters were dealing with leaking pipes, black mold under the sink, broken cabinets and paint falling off the walls on a daily basis.
“It was badly needed. We knew that it's just a matter of getting the proper resources and getting in there,” Guy Costa, the city’s chief operations officer, said. “As you know, the mayor allocated an additional $1.3 million to work on public safety buildings, senior centers and rec centers throughout the city of Pittsburgh.”
The president of the firefighters’ union said he’s glad the administration is finally fixing the firehouses, where crews live and work 24/7, 365 days a year.
“We're going to be very aggressive, with this administration, with repairing our buildings. We ask our employees to be patient with us. It's going to take some time,” Costa said.
Earle reported that the renovations should be completed in a couple weeks.
Costa said a facilities management plan will be finished next year, with recommendations on what building should be repaired and what should be sold.
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