City, state and federal leaders broke ground on a new Emergency Medical Services station in the Seaport District today, expressing optimism that the new facility will help meet the medical demands of the growing population in South Boston.
“We know that this community has had to get by without a permanent EMS station, even as emergency call volume in this area has doubled over the past decade. Today, we are changing that,” said Boston Mayor Michelle Wu during the ceremony at the site on Dry Dock Avenue in the Flynn Marine Park.
Two ambulance bays will be housed in the facility, which is estimated to cost $16 million. Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn and U.S. Rep. Stephen Lynch have advocated for its funding.
“This is about the neighborhood coming together,” Flynn said.
The Seaport district has seen enormous growth over the past decade. That’s led to some growing pains, including the need for more medical resources and infrastructure.
“Over the last dozen years, we probably built close to 10 million square feet in the South Boston waterfront. So now we have, you know, twice as many residents and the cruise ship terminal is setting a record every single year,” Lynch said.
The groundbreaking celebration occurred during National EMS Week.
“Annually, [at] Boston EMS, we see about a one to two percent increase in our call volume. And it’s busy. Boston’s still growing. Boston is still thriving. And we expect that’s going to keep up,” said Boston EMS Chief James Hooley.
In addition to the ambulance bays, the new facility will have public toilets, as well as a lounge, kitchenette, gym and showers to support EMS workers, according to Carleton Jones, executive director of Boston’s Public Facilities Department.
“Today is a moment of great excitement and anticipation for the South Boston and Seaport District. The milestone is a result of dedicated collaboration across city leadership, Emergency Medical Services, the planning department, our design and construction teams and the Public Facilities Department,” Jones said.
City Council President Ruthzee Louijeune said she was elated that the council approved construction in its budget and recognized the vital role of EMS workers in the community.
“These are the good days so that we can shorten waits and call times for our residents who are in desperate need. So, [it’s] a beautiful moment and a beautiful day for the waterfront for South Boston and for the City of Boston.”
