2013/2014

Papine Fire Station

Guide Booklet

Group Members- Shari Bowen, Sereena kiddoe,

Shantika ledgister, Yanike McPherson, Janoy

Sinclair, Ryan Khadou

University of Technology Jamaica Site Analysis-Site Planning

Papine Fire Station

Table of Content

Introduction of history

Introduction of the site

-History

-Base Map

-Wider Area Map

-Aerial Photograph Interpretation, demographics and population

-Social Infrastructure

-Physical Infrastructure

-Soil and Ecology

-Hydrology

-Geology

Map of final recommendations

Recommendation

Appendix

Papine Fire Station

Introduction

A site analysis trip was undertaken within the greater St. Andrew area by second year BSc.

Urban and Regional Planning students of the University of Technology after which a site was

selected for the construction of a new fire substation to serve the area. The purpose of

constructing a new fire station is to meet the fire protection and security needs of the population

as well as to alleviate the pressure received by the Half-Way-Tree substation which is currently

serving the study area. The Half-Way-Tree substation is unable to adequately serve the area

within its jurisdiction because of its limited size, lack of manpower, inadequate and

malfunctioning equipment, and distance among other constraints. There has also been an

increase in the number of fires affecting the area. Therefore, the proposal seeks to put forward a

concept for a new fire station sited in the Papine area.

The study area is bound by Constitution Hill, Gordon Town, Hope Pastures, Barbican, Liguanea,

Mona, August Town, Kintyre, and Hope Tavern. This compass is deemed high risk because the

population and building density, the number of social facilities as disaster susceptibility.

Therefore, siting a fire station within this locality would increase security and protection,

response time to emergencies, and manpower of the Jamaica Fire Brigade. This report will

provide an analysis of the study area and site chosen, a concept for the fire station and

recommendations guide the development.

Papine Fire Station

Introduction to the site being studied

The site is located south west of the Papine square, in the parish of Kingston, Jamaica. The

selected site is situated to the along the Golding Avenue main road with bordering sites which

includes; the Papine market to the east, the Hope River canal to the west, the University Hospital

of the West Indies Nurse Quarters to the south and the Mona Baptist Church to the North. The

site is located at coordinates of approximately E: 777204 m and N: 651620 m on the Jamaica

Grid reference. Based on investigation the site is owned by the Commissioner or Land. The

section of the site which houses the water tank is part of four land parcels of land parts of Mona

Estate and Papine Estate; in the Parish of Saint Andrew. Together containing by survey Six

Hundred and Fifty Four Acres, Three Roods, thirty eight perches and Seven-tenths of a perch of

the shape. The Sum of Parcels of land was lease to the University of the West Indies on the 11th

of June 1967 for a term of 999 years. The parcel of land was then lease to the Nation Housing

Trust on July 27th 2011. Another parcel was then lease to the National Hosing Trust 29th August

2013(National Land agency,n.d).

Size Of lot being Utilized for proposed Fire Station – 92 414 sq.ft / 8586 m2

Papine Fire Station

Wider Area Base Map

Papine Fire Station

Image shows an Arial view of site for proposed Papine

fire station, the intended site boundaries highlighted

by the black lines in the image above. (Google Earth)

Papine Market

Water storage tank

Proposed Site

Arial Image displaying the various

land use surrounding proposed Site

Nurses quarters/ ABC Hall

Papine Fire Station

History

Papine is located in the Eastern section in the parish of St Andrew bordered by Gordon Town to

its North, Constitution Hill to its east with August Town to its South and Mona and Liguanea to

its West. The community of Papine contains a number of districts and sub districts including

Mona Commons, Hope Tavern, Kintyre, Elleston Flats, Highlight View (Mud Town), Land

Lease, Papine business district. In addition there are several sub districts which include Golding

Circle, Pre – Mix Road, Hope Flats, Look Out and River View. Several of the districts and sub

districts are noted to be informal/squatter settlements including Mona Commons, Land Lease,

Look Out, Pre-Mix Road, sections of Kintyre and Hope Tavern. Papine current number of

household is three thousand seven hundred and twenty four (3724) and the number of dwelling is

three thousand one hundred and eighty seven (3187) (Papine profile, 2009).During the era of

colonisation, the site and the area surrounding it was a part of the Papine/ Mona Estates. The area

was predominantly used to cultivate sugar cane and process it’s by products, sugar, molasses and

rum. After slavery ended, the ex-slaves, predominantly East Indians occupied the area and

carried small scale farming. Afterwards houses sprang up across the area, and were especially

concentrated along the Hope River forming communities such as Hope Tavern and Kintyre.

Papine as a community has grown significantly within the last few decades and with this growth

many challenges and opportunities have arisen. As such it has become necessary to examine the

many of the general social, economic, political, environmental and other issues which continue

to impact on this community of growing import (SDC, 2009).

.

Papine Fire Station

This image is showing the Estate boundaries in the past.

Papine Fire Station

Social Infrastructure

According to the Queensland Government, Department of Infrastructure and Planning ‘Social

infrastructure refers to the community facilities, services and networks that help individuals,

families, groups and communities meet their social needs, maximize their potential for

development, and enhance community well-being.

. Social infrastructure includes:

• Universal facilities and services such as education, training, health, welfare, social services,

open space, recreation and sport, safety and emergency services, learning, religious, arts and

cultural facilities, civic and democratic institutions, and community meeting places

• Lifecycle-targeted facilities and services, such as those for children, young people and older

people e.g. early childhood centers and retirement homes.

Papine Fire Station

Physical Infrastructure

The term physical infrastructure is used to refer to a very wide array of systems and

infrastructure that makes it possible for goods, services and people to be transferred from one

geographical place to another. This term is also used in reference to systems that facilitate

provision of services.

Papine Fire Station

Topography

The terrain of the study is rough and undulating. The northeastern section of the study area is

characterized by dense, hills and mountains and deep valleys; the Long Mountain ridge also lies

to the south. (University of Technology, 2007)The relief of the site is relatively flat and slopes

towards the south. There is sparse vegetation of low grass and a few trees on the site.

Papine Fire Station

Utilities Available for Proposed Site in Papine

• Availability of electricity- Jamaica Public Service (JPS) supplies electricity to the area from the

Hope substation.

• Availability of water - The National Water Commission (NWC) is the main institution responsible

for all major water and sewerage operations, including: production of water collection, water

treatment and disposal of urban sewage. However, water is also available from private sources. i.e.

UWI storage tank(National Water Commision,n.d).

• Access to main road – the Site is located along John Golding road, in close proximity to the

Papine Market.

• Presence of communication cable (internet and telephone service)- Telephone and Cable services

are readily available by the established providers, such as, LIME, Digicel and FLOW.

• Adequate sewage facility- In the Papine Area the predominant form of Sewage treatment is Septic

Tank Systems. It is prohibited to use Soak away pits in the Papine Area. In an effect to cease

further contamination of the water table.

Papine Fire Station

Soil

The General Area of the site has been observed to be almost flat in topography, with sparse areas

vegetation and areas of bare ground. Man-made structures are predominant land cover surrounding the

sites. As observed by the many pave road ways and large structures in closing the site.

The site can be considered a part of the Liguanea Plain. The Liguanea Plain is a Quaternary alluvial fan of

the Hope River that drains the mountains to the northeast of Kingston. It consists of poorly sorted sands

and gravels interspersed with layers of clay and sand. Boulders of volcanic rock and conglomerate are

also found (Ahmad and Robinson, 1994).

Papine Fire Station

Hydrology

In the following literature and graph illustration describes briefly the occurrence, distribution,

movement and properties of waters on the earth’s surface and their relationship with the environment

within each phase of the hydrologic cycle within the study area.

The study area is drained mainly by the Hope River and its tributaries with a combined dendritic and

radial pattern in most areas. The estimated length of the Hope River is 24m and the drainage system of

this area begins at the source of the small Mammee River tributaries in the highland section of Woodform

(north) flowing down via the Hope River to the Mona Reservoir (south). The system well as water

sources in adjacent St. Thomas and St. Catherine supply Kingston and the surrounding areas with water.

The major surface supplies are derived from the Hermitage/Wag water supply system to the North of St.

Andrew and the Hope River to the North-East; also from the Yallahs and the Negro Rivers located in St.

Thomas, via the Yallahs Pipeline (12 mgd average annual), along with underground sources (aquifers).

(Geology and Mining,n.d).

Papine Fire Station

This image displays an extent of the

hope river floodplain as it passes

through the study area

Image Sourced from Water Resources

Authority (http://www.wra.gov.jm/)

Proposed Site (Fire station)

Papine Fire Station

After carefully analysing information gathered from the Water Resources Authority, it can be concluded

that:

Within the study area’s water shed the nitrate level are at a Grade B. (Greater than 8-45mg/1) -

Early Deterioration.

Chloride level is also at a Grade B. (Less than 25-100mg/1) - Early Deterioration.

It is Recommended that drinking water be treated.

Rainfall in Papine

From Analyzing the graph above it can be concluded that September, October and

November the months with highest average rain fall in the Papine area.

Graph Sourced from Water Resources

Authority (http://www.wra.gov.jm/)

Papine Fire Station

Geology

The Newcastle Volcanics, Wag Water Formation and the Richmond Formation including Cane River

Conglomerate formation are the rock formations found within the study area. These are found in the

highland areas to the north east. There are also several faultlines within the area and as result, the

susceptible of the area to landslides, erosion and earthquakes is high. (University of Technology, 2007)

However, since the site is located on the Liguanea plain, these rocks and faults are not found on or

directly around it.

Papine is particularly vulnerable to natural disasters including floods, mud/landslides and hurricanes. In

fact in recent years several dwellings were destroyed by flood and hurricanes as well as lives lost.

Furthermore in Hope Tavern several dwellings have collapsed into the river bed of Hope Tavern and

other are presently dangerously located at the edge of a precipice bordering the Hope River (SDC, 2009).

Images showing the location of the rock formation and soil type within the study area

Papine Fire Station

Image displays the susceptibility classes for

shallow landslides in the Kingston are the

proposed site is located in the Papine/ Mona

Area and is clear of high susceptible areas for

landslides

Papine Fire Station

• Image shows geological data of the Liguanea plain

• Water Bodies ( rivers and man-made channels)

• Contour lines

• Fault lines

Proposed Site (Fire station)

Orientation: South

Image source: Geology and Mining, Jamaica Key

Papine Fire Station

The table illustrates the population of each district within the study area.

The study area consists of a number of districts and communities, having different population

sizes and density ratio. From the table above it can be concluded that the larger districts are

Barbican, Hope Tavern, Liguanea, August Town, and Mona Heights.

Analyzing the Demography Of Settlements with in the Study Area

(Source of data- Statistical Institution of Jamaica)

Papine Fire Station

Project Objectives

The propose Fire station in Papine will be committed to responding to community needs by

providing for the protection of life and property through innovative Emergency Medical Care,

Fire Suppression, and Hazard Mitigation Services. The station would support by advanced life

support from the neighboring university hospital and there staff of paramedics. The proposed

Papine station should be responsible for public education, building inspections, and fire

investigations. Personnel also aid in community disaster relief.

List of objectives

Reduce fire response time within a 5 minutes radius

Train and educate the persons in the surrounding communities

To reduce the burden on the Halfway Tree Substation

Creation of employment for community members

To create a bond or togetherness amongst community members

Provide property protection, reduce the loss of lives and property within the study area due to

fires

Provide rapid response to accidents and hazard within the study area

Provide fire services for critical areas such as the large number of universities and schools within

the study area. There is also a major hospital (University of the west indies hospital) and other

major institutions such as the U.S Embassy at Liguanea.

Site Requirements

Fire station should be located strategically to effectively benefit the surrounding communities

with rapid response times to emergencies and access from a major roadway. The fire station plan

should include provisions for the following

Vehicular turning

Apparatus Driveway

Point of entry

Delivery/service

Maintenance/storage area

Papine Fire Station

Expansion

Landscaping

Signage

o Regulation signs should be located where specific warning or prohibitory

information is required

o Provide clearly identified handicapped access and signage

House a moderate sized 9000-15000sq feet fire station ( Recommended due to size of

selected site in Papine, the use of multi-story building when designing would be very

effective to gain additional space)

When planning and programming for fire stations, functions fail into three main categories;

maintenance and apparatus, which includes fire protection vehicle storage, maintenance, repair

and supply support; administration and training; general residential and living areas which

should be separate from business functions.

Papine Fire Station

Recommendations

Centrally, on site is the main building joined by the chemical storage bay which covers

approximately 1300m2 with the building façade facing the Papine Market. The main building

will host two (2) Apparatus Bays, Training/Conference Area, Office Spaces, Administrative

Area, Locker rooms and showers, Kitchen, Dorm rooms and Bath rooms, Communication

Center.

All current setback standards were observed; front, side and rear are 35.29m, 30.47m (north-west

side, Left on Figure 2) and 10.38m.

Site Circulation

There are two entrances to the site, the one to north-east (Left entrance on Figure 2) is accessible

only by fire trucks and fire personnel , and conversely the second entrance (main entrance) is to

be used for public and administrative vehicular access to the site. The main entrance is situated

directly in front of reception area of the main building adjacent to this entrance is the parking

area. Provision for pedestrians visiting the site is place at the second entrance. Correspondingly

circulation from the main entrance was design to give ease of maneuvering for users of the site.

For motorists visiting the site only to drop off or to collect, it is recommended that they

maneuver around the round-a-about to the unloading bay (Highlight 1). In the event of motorists

entering to use substations’ services and/or facilities would turn left into the parking area and

proceed to maneuver in to an available parking bay. The trucks leaving and entering the site is

hindrance-free from unwanted traffic as to provide turn-around space and increase rapid response

time of the Fire/Emergency service (Highlight 3).

Parking on site is to south-east (see also Highlight 2) and is set a one-way thoroughfare to lower

any possibility of vehicle congestion. The recommended number of parking bays is to be thirty-

three (33) parking bays, twenty-two (22) of which is for staff (including administration), nine (9)

for visitors and two (2) for the disabled. Visitor’s parking is place closest to main building

(south east of the main building) to lessen any loitering by visitors to the site (highlight 1) and

the disabled parking is adjacent to the said building.

Pathways were deliberately place around parking and lead directly to reception area of the main

building to give users ease of mind. The pedestrian crossing is set up to assist personnel getting

about the site. For the disabled a ram next their parking bays which leads directly onto the sites’

pathways (Highlight 2).

Papine Fire Station

The Building

The features of the main building of the fire station include:

Two bay apparatus room

Lobby and reception area

Offices and public restroom

Conference room for public meetings and dispatch

Male and female dormitories and restrooms, laundry room

Training area

Maintenance area

Outdoor/ recreational space

It is being recommended that the building is positioned in the centre of the site with the front

façade facing the John Golding Road and the rear adjacent to the nurse’s quarters and the back of

the UWHI hospital. This will ensure easy and quick deployment of firefighters to emergencies.

The apparatus bay should be sited to the north of the site below the UWHI tank. This will

facilitate shorter response time of the apparatus since the exit will by closer to the intersection of

Old Hope Rd, Gordon Town Road and John Golding road. The maintenance area and chemical

storage should be attached to the apparatus bay to the south west for efficiency. The main

building should include the lobby, reception, offices and public restroom and should be located

on the ground floor to the front of the site for ease of access by the public and visibility. These

facilities should be arranged to facilitate balance between functionality, operation and a sense of

community. The dormitories and living spaces should be housed on the first floor to allow for

privacy and operational functionality, however, the design should facilitate quick and efficient

movement of fire crew to other areas of the facility.

Outdoor facilities

The design of the facility should preserve the existing trees and basketball court which should be

improved and made accessible to community members. Recreation area should be considered for

staff when not on duty.

Egress and Ingress

The site is located along Golding Road, because of the expected traffic congestion during peak

hours it is recommended that a Fire Alert system (Amber Light) and Fire apparatus lane be

installed at the Fire Personnel Vehicle Access point to the site. As to alert the traffic when the

fire truck is leaving the site. Amber lights can be used to indicate to oncoming traffic, at is point

traffic should then be at a standstill and clear of the Fire Apparatus lane (zone) allowing the

apparatus to maneuver on to the road and avoiding possible traffic delays with relative ease.

Papine Fire Station

The both entrances should be designed using merge taper openings as to allow for relative ease

vehicular maneuver entering and exiting the site. The main entrance should be wide enough to

along for 2 cars to enter and exit simultaneously.

Hard and Soft scape

The apparatus drive way and maintenance area outside adjacent to the apparatus bays should be

paved with heavy duty material such as reinforced concrete. The parking area should be paved

with a permeable material to reduce surface runoff over the site. The proposed area that this

permeable pavement should cover is 1300 m2.

The basket court size should about 388 m2 and paved using asphalt material.

Landscaping

Low Maintenance landscaping – Planting indigenous trees which can be easily maintain

Hedges and trees along the boundary of the site facing the nurses quarters

This would act as a buffer, reducing noise pollution

aid in added privacy for the closely neighboring Lots

the rest the site which is un –paved should be used green open spaces

Future Expansion

The proposed site is bored closely by other built up structures such as roads, water aqueduct and

buildings hence future expansion on this site is limited to the building codes with govern the

Papine area. Green Open spaces on the site may be used for future small developments.

Papine Fire Station

Appendix

Ahmad, R., & Robinson, E. (1994). Geological Evolution o the Liguanea Plains- the landslide

connection . Proceedings of the First Conference, Faculty of Natural Sciences. Kingston:

The University of the West Indies, Mona.

Evans, B. (2010, October 10). Dangers of Building on the Liguanea Plains. Jamaica Gleaner.

University of Technology. (2007, May). Papine and Environs Redevelopment Plan – Draft.

Retrieved from Papine Jamaica:

http://www.papinejamaica.info/plans/Papine%20Plan%202007.pdf

ArcGIS. (2011). Jamaica: Special Areas and Population 2011. Retrieved from arcgis.com/explorer/:

http://www.arcgis.com/explorer/?open=410bc3258e7046f6a944e070159f2d38&extent=-

8750870.26719728,1971060.04429592,-8458567.41301811,2129951.40969204

Statistical Institute of Jamaica. (2014, April 15). Geographic Services. Retrieved from statinja:

http://statinja.gov.jm/maps.aspx

The Planning Institute of Jamaica. (2006). Spatial Boundaries Of Jamaica. St Andrew.