“There are real concerns about the safety of the current fire station and the need for change,” Arbini says. “It’s not working for us. It’s just in really bad shape.”
The building was built on an old landfill and has served the community since 1963. Over time, the station has been renovated, but serious safety problems have arisen, including subsidence. Ten years ago, concrete had to be injected under one corner of the station to prevent further subsidence. Today, some other areas of ground in the bay that house fire engines are beginning to visibly subside.
Doug CoombeChelsea Fire Chief Robert Arbini.
“It was built at a time when there were no professional firefighters, only volunteers. They came from home and did not stay at the station,” says Arbini. “Today, four people are on duty every day. The station was not built for that.”
Remodeling the station has become a hot topic of discussion. One of the specific improvements Arbini’s team needs to do their job better is a larger equipment room. Currently, firefighters have to store their training equipment in the room area, which means firefighters are exposed to exhaust fumes when starting their vehicles.
More storage space is also needed. Much of the department storage is on the mezzanine, where, according to Arbini, “you actually have to bend down to walk around.” And the dorms are just one open common area instead of separate rooms.
Doug CoombeChief Arbini in the upstairs storage room at Chelsea Fire Station.
For visitors, Arbini wants to offer a more professional and welcoming meeting space. Another priority is renovating the bathroom to make it wheelchair accessible for all community members.
Arbini also expresses concern for his own and his assistant’s well-being should a fire break out in the station. Arbini explains that their offices are on the upper floor, accessed by a spiral staircase. While this is appealing, there is a risk of them being trapped in the event of a fire.
“One option would be to jump five to six meters into the bay of fire,” says Arbini. “That’s just not good.” 
Doug CoombeChief Robert Arbini (right) with staff at the training area in the bay at Chelsea Fire Station.
Arbini is working hard to move the renovation forward after many discussions with Chelsea City Council. His team wants a rebuild – or move to a new building – to take place within the next two years. In March, CAFA received $5 million in federal Community Project Funding (CPF) to fund renovations. Arbini says that while he and his team are grateful, the CFP money is far from enough.
“We invested a lot more money so as not to burden taxpayers,” Arbini says. Now, he says, CAFA may have to pursue a tax proposal to finance renovations – or even consider buying new properties through the legal mechanism of expropriation as a last resort.
The current reconstruction plan calls for a cost of about $7 million. While Arbini says he can’t predict with certainty what will happen in the coming months, his vision is to keep the fire station in town. 
Doug CoombeThe floor of the Chelsea Fire Station is sinking.
“My staff is great. They come in. They do their job. They serve the community well. Many of them are from the community and grew up here,” he says. “They know the neighborhood, they know the neighbors and hope the neighborhood continues to support us.”
As plans for reconstruction gain momentum, Arbini welcomes further community conversations about solutions.
“Come on in any time and see for yourself what’s going on,” he says. “If you think the station is acceptable, great, but if not, let’s work together for a change. It’s long overdue.”
Jaishree Drepaul is a writer and editor based in Ann Arbor. You can reach her at [email protected].
All photos by Doug Coombe.
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