Winthrop Council Launches Fire Station OPM Search, Sets Fall Demolition Target

WINTHROP -- April 15, 2025, Winthrop Town Council took first post-override procurement steps Tuesday toward a new fire station, less than two weeks after voters approved all three ballot questions on April 5. Council President Letary and Fire Chief Wiley, co-chair of the Firehouse Building Committee, said a request for qualifications for an owner's project manager has already been submitted to the state central registry, with responses due around May 1; potential demolition of the middle school auditorium could begin as early as fall 2025. Superintendent Howard noted the district's 2,011 students and said the new school stabilization fund should extend the financial life of the operating override. The council also voted 7-0 to add a $250 fee for utility company public hearing advertisements, approved a National Grid conduit installation on Shirley Street 7-0, and passed a Winthrop Taxi fare increase to $9 regular and $8 senior in-town rates on a 6-1 vote, with Councilor DeMarco casting the lone dissent. Resident Cassie Woodhouse warned publicly that Winthrop faces a mid-July MBTA Communities zoning compliance deadline that could affect state grant eligibility.