Aetna Hose, Hook and Ladder Company has entered into an agreement to sell its 410 Ogletown Road fire station and banquet hall
Fire company spokesman John Farrell, IV, said, “We are still in the very early stages of this process and expect to continue to occupy the property for the next 18 to 24 months while the buyer moves through the due diligence and permitting process,”
Farrell added that “Aetna is moving rapidly to develop both short and long range plans to provide facilities and apparatus placement to ensure the ongoing coverage for the citizens in our fire district. We would like to reinforce that our commitment to provide “Service for Others” in the greater Newark community would not be diminished by this sale, and should actually strengthen both our financial and response capability.”
The identity of the potential buyer has not been disclosed.
There has been speculation that the Dannemann family, owner of the newly opened Springhill Suites by Marriott would buy the property on a busy corner near downtown that is adjacent to the hotel. The fire company worked with the Dannemanns in allowing parking related to the construction of the hotel.
The fire hall sits near a busy intersection in Newark that can affect the operation of equipment and crews dispatched from the station.
