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SLEEPY HOLLOW, N.Y. Building compliance issues prompted the village to move the Volunteer Ambulance Corps' headquarters from a building on Andrews Lane to the main firehouse at Village Hall, Mayor Ken Wray said.
Although a few corps members have complained about the move, it's worked out quite well, Wray said.
A state inspector has examined the new headquarters as well, Wray said, after a few members reported that the village had locked up headquarters and was not responding to calls. After meeting with Wray and EMS Chief Shelly Glover, Wray said the inspector found no degradation of services.
We were able to show that the ambulance corp responded to every call that came in, Wray said, adding that the state seemed satisfied with the move.
Wray noted that the old headquarters was essentially built as a temporary building some 30 years ago. The building has had a series of physical problems that have put it in non-compliance with local laws, Wray said.
We simply don't have the resources to rebuild that building, Wray said.
The move to the main firehouse has also added a few benefits for the ambulance corp, Wray explained. Beekman Ave. is a two-way street, meaning it's easier for trucks to get out quicker. At the Andrews Lane building, sometimes the ambulance would be driving the wrong way down a one-way street to take the quickest route, Wray said.
Wray also noted that it's easier for members of the volunteer corps to get to the new headquarters, since it's in a central location. And because most emergency calls go north, Wray said the corps is in a better position when responding to those calls.
We're looking at this as certainly something that's a near-term move, Wray said, adding that the village would look at a long-term move as the former General Motors site is redeveloped.
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