Building’s makeover ongoing

HUDSON – Plans to name the Central Fire Station after a local resident are moving forward with donations from residents.

The Board of Selectmen approved naming the Central Station after resident Lenny Smith last April. Smith, who died almost two years ago, was a longtime Planning Board member and volunteer firefighter who designed and helped build Central Station.

The board is expected to set a date for the dedication ceremony at its meeting tonight.

Planning Board member Marilyn McGrath has volunteered to pay to have the station’s new name put on the station’s sign, and former Selectman Shawn Jasper is raising funds for a bronze plaque.

“I’m looking for some donations,” Jasper said. “I’m contributing.”

The plaque, which will list Smith’s contributions in town, will cost around $400, Jasper said.

The final location for the plaque has not been decided yet. Jasper said he’s suggested a landing in the station between the first and second floor where other items relating to the department’s history are displayed.

The fire station is the second town building to be named in a resident’s honor. The library was named after the Hills family, which donated the land for the building.

Smith served as a state representative for 22 years and had been on the Planning Board since 1979.

He was also a member of the Fire Department for many years and designed Town Hall and the Central Fire Station. Smith and several other volunteer firefighters also built the station.

The Planning Board recently donated a granite bench at Library Park in Smith’s memory.