ENFIELD, CT — A petition to restore the old 6 p.m. siren at the former Shaker Pines firehouse gained traction this week after police came to the property Wednesday and asked the owners to stop sounding it.
Supporters say the siren, which was recently restored is a longtime part of life in the neighborhood and should be allowed to return. The petition drew about 150 signatures in less than 24 hours.
Police said the issue began with a complaint from a Cottage Road resident. In an email to Patch, Chief Alaric J. Fox said the complaint went to zoning code enforcement, was forwarded to police, and an officer was assigned.
Fox said “regularly activating a siren that is loud enough to disturb or alert the neighborhood is generally not permissible once a complaint has been received,” even if some neighbors support it.
A Facebook post from Wanczyk Electric said the final sounding would be at 6 p.m. Wednesday after a complaint and a police visit. The post said the effort was intended to bring back nostalgia and community spirit.
Public records show the former Shaker Pines Fire Department property at 20 Cottage Road is owned by Parkers Palace LLC. Land records show the property sold in August 2024 for $120,000, and state business records list Brian Wanczyk as the company’s managing member and registered agent.
In emails to Patch, Megan Wanczyk, co-owner of the property and Brian Wanczyk’s wife, said neighbors have begun reaching out to local officials and that “there appears to be openness to advocating for a solution if there is clear community support.”
She also said, “It’s been difficult to see something intended to honor local history and bring people together be shut down so quickly, especially given the level of support we’ve seen.” Wanczyk added that her family understands “the need to be respectful of all neighbors” and would welcome “a path forward that balances both.”
Unless there is more guidance from town officials, the siren is not expected to sound again.
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Enfield, CT Patch
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