Though a final decision will not be made hastily, Gloucester Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad chief J.D. Clements confirmed Tuesday that his department is looking at several potential properties in the Court House area for the future home of Station #1.

Clements cited a continual lack of space and potentially dangerous working conditions as reasons necessitating a move. A decision on where the department may relocate its main facility is expected by the end of the summer, or sooner, he said.

According to Clements, the department met with both an architect and engineer recently and presented them with the needs and expectations of the department. Options presented included complete renovation of the current facility at the corner of Walker Avenue and Main Street or a total demolish and rebuild of the current structure and the medical building behind the station that the department owns. 

However, rebuilding Station #1 to meet current National Fire Protection Association standards...