New York City Council Members Join Public In Protest Of Closing Firehouses
Source Courtesy of WABC
Mayor Mike Bloomberg's controversial plan to close a number of fire houses to deal with the city's financial problems continues to draw protest. City Council members joined the ranks Sunday at one fire house in Brooklyn.
They're cheering and clapping, and hoping to save their firehouse but Squad 252 is on the chopping block because of the city's budget crisis.
Erik Dilan, (D)-NYC Council Member: "We totally think this is an outrageous decision that hinders the safety of the citizens of Bushwick."
This is councilman Erik Dilan's neighborhood. He hopes the mayor hears his cries and those of other council members.
Gifford Miller, NYC Council Speaker: "We have to make sure that everyday threats are accounted for. We have to put safety first."
While there is another firehouse about five long blocks from the 252, residents worry that response time won't be rapid enough. They fear two nearby schools will suffer. One student is so concerned, she's passing around a petition.
Leeza Torres, Student: "If there's a fire and the other firehouses are already moved, it is going to take a long time to get over here. The other houses will be burned already."
Adam Brecht doesn't even live near one of eight firehouses slated to close but he's hoping to raise $11 million dollars in private money to save them. Corporate donations will help and now Direct Access Partners, a brokerage firm, is pledging a day's worth of commissions.
Adam Brecht, "Keep NYC's Firehouses Open:" "From the living room to the board rooms, there is tremendous support among New Yorkers to keep New York City's firehouses open."
The decision to close eight fire houses was made Friday by a blue ribbon panel. While council members oppose the decision, it is ultimately up to the mayor. He hasn't seen the panel report but if he goes along with it he must give 45-days notice. Some think that's enough time to raise enough money to save them.
