BOLINAS FIREHOUSE/CLINIC COMMUNITY PROJECT
The MarinWatch site is primarily focused on land-use issues affecting parks and other public lands in West Marin, so a posting about a local effort to build a new firehouse and medical clinic in Bolinas may seem somewhat tangential. However, another focus of this site is cultural preservation, which I interpret to include the safety and well being of those who live and work in West Marin. Furthermore, the two million or so who visit the National Seashore and GGNRA each year also need access to health care and emergency services.
The project in a nutshell
The Bolinas Firehouse & Clinic project is a public/private collaboration to build a new firehouse and separate medical clinic, side by side on the lot formerly occupied by the old Bolinas firehouse. The firehouse will be the new home of the Bolinas Volunteer Fire Department. The clinic will be operated by the Coastal Health Alliance (CHA), which will hold a 40 year lease on the building. CHA currently operates the Bolinas Family Practice, as well as primary care clinics in Stinson Beach and Pt Reyes Station.
After years of planning and fundraising, ground was broken in April 2006 and actual construction began in June. As of this writing (October 06) the drive is to enclose the buildings before this winter’s rains. Construction should be complete in summer of 07, with occupancy by fall of that year.
A little background
The old Bolinas firehouse was seismically unsafe—engineers predicted it would collapse in a 6.5 quake, trapping the fire engines at the very moment they would be most needed. The new building is dimensioned to accommodate modern fire engines, includes a public meeting room and overnight dorm facilities, and is designed for potential future basing of a paramedic ambulance unit.
The current Bolinas Family Practice site is tiny (about 500 sq. ft) and lacks handicapped access. Continuation of CHA’s federal funding depends on upgrading to a legitimate modern facility. The new clinic is nearly 3000 sq. ft., and will support efficient delivery of continued and expanded medical services throughout West Marin.
Value
The striking thing about this project is the outstanding value it represents for the people of West Marin.
First of all, the project goals are absolutely essential. This project will strengthen emergency response and health care for all of West Marin. These are not “glamour” goals. They are not controversial. They are so basic that we normally just take it for granted that these things will always be available. And if you or someone you care about ever need these services, you REALLY want them to be there.
Second, it is incredibly cheap at the price. The people of Bolinas voted a special parcel tax that raised $1.7 million for the firehouse, about 25% of the total project budget. ALL the rest of the money comes from government and foundation grants, and voluntary donations from private individuals.
Third, the organizations involved are inherently thrifty. Operational budgets of volunteer fire departments are a fraction of the cost of an equivalent professional organization. And the firefighters live right here, meaning that in case of natural disasters, they are on the scene and in touch with the community, not stuck in another county because of the very disaster in question. The Coastal Health Alliance is a locally controlled nonprofit operating right around the break even level. CHA brings in close to a million dollars a year in federal, state, and county grants, and uses this funding to provide medical care to people in West Marin who otherwise could not afford it.
Fundraising
The governing boards of the Coastal Health Alliance and the Bolinas Fire Protection District voted to start construction in the spring of 06, having secured over $5 million in funding. This sum is sufficient to complete simple construction of the buildings. However, to furnish and occupy the buildings, and leave the organizations without a debt burden that would hamper their future operations, about $1.5 million still must be raised.
To donate, or for further information, visit www.bolinasfirehouseandclinic.org
David Bunnett, Board President, Coastal Health Alliance