SOUTH KINGSTOWN — Chief Steven Pinch and the Union Fire District of South Kingstown would like to provide the community with an update on a parcel of land owned by the department. 

The Union Fire District purchased the land at 446 High St. in 2019 for just under $300,000, with the goal of future expansion of the adjacent Peace Dale station. The land contains a building, which was previously used as a restaurant but has since been abandoned for several years. 

The UFD’s goal is to knock down the existing building before proceeding with the expansion. Due to hazardous waste located on the property and potential asbestos in the basement of the building, the demolition process has yet to commence. 

The UFD is committed to expediting the process, due to the land’s high level of visibility near the downtown area. However, they will do whatever is required to ensure the demolition is done safely and according to health regulations. 

“We are very eager to proceed with this process with the goal of expanding Peace Dale station to better allow us to serve the community,” said UFD Board of Warden member Andy Boisvert. “We understand that residents are looking forward to progress being done on the site, and we assure them that we are taking the necessary steps to move the situation forward.” 

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