The McKownville Fire Department, which like the Guilderland Center Fire Department is 100 years old this year, plans to go ahead with its $3.2M expansion plan, and will make it financially feasible by closing the firehouse throughout the construction period.

GUILDERLAND — A handful of residents of McKownville are beginning the process of applying for designation as a historic district through the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

A hotel at the entrance to Crossgates Mall nears final approval, as $3 million in McKownville firehouse renovations receive final approval, but the fire district commissioner says that bids all came in higher than expected and that the expansion plan is up in the air as a result.

Don Reeb has headed of the McKownville Improvement Association for 15 years. At 83, he stepped aside last Thursday. He will, however, remain on the board. The new president is Reeb’s next-door neighbor, Ellen Manning.

After a “yes” vote on Tuesday, renovation of the McKownville firehouse is expected to begin in the spring.

McKownville residents will vote on Tuesday whether to approve a proposed plan to renovate the local firehouse that will raise their taxes an average of $136.58 per household.

One family member, Christine Sawyer, 51, remains hospitalized.