Panel Puts Eight FDNY Firehouses on Chopping Block

More/Video at Partner WABC.com: City Council Members Join Public In Protest Of Closing Firehouses

NEW YORK -- Neighborhood residents and firefighters are urging Mayor Bloomberg to save eight firehouses from getting the ax - despite a panel's recent decision to support the move.

"The panel's decision is not the last word," said City Councilman Bill de Blasio (D-Brooklyn), whose district is home to two of the eight firehouses slated to close.

"We hope the mayor will hear the voices of the community, which will only grow louder now. In fact, you ain't seen nothing yet."

A rally is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. today outside Engine Co. 252 in Bushwick.

The firehouses have been on the chopping block for some time as Bloomberg struggles to close a $3.4 billion budget gap. The closings would save the city nearly $12 million.

Bloomberg had stalled a decision until a blue-ribbon panel could study other options.

But Thursday night, the seven-member panel voted 5-2 to recommend shutting down all eight firehouses. It's not clear when Bloomberg will make a final decision.

"It's really up to the mayor at this point," said Bobby Brunone, a 21-year veteran at threatened Engine 36 in Harlem.

"I don't want to criticize the mayor, but they should look to make cuts from the bottom up. All other avenues should be explored."

Last month, the City Council came up with several proposals to save the firehouses. One plan included allowing corporations to sponsor firehouses, something Bloomberg rejected.

However, just last week, Bloomberg announced a plan to trademark a New York City logo in order to raise revenue.

"All of a sudden it's a brilliant idea?" said Steve Cassidy, president of the Uniformed Firefighters Association. "Where does that money go? It should go to the Fire Department so we can prevent these closings."

Many residents said they fear cuts will make the city more vulnerable to a terrorist attack.

"I'm not sure the timing is the best," said Michael Soubotin, an architect who lives in Greenpoint, just a few blocks from Engine 212, one of the eight on the chopping block.

But Brunone said responding to everyday calls is just as vital.

"Everybody always goes back to 9/11 and terrorism, but there were needs before then," he said. "It's our everyday work that's important. The war and terrorism just makes it more of a reason [to keep them open]."

Michelle Coles, another Greenpoint resident, said, "Mayor Bloomberg and Gov. Pataki both need to start looking at the importance of the Fire Department and the Police Department. That is what really makes the city run."

Some residents said they think the billionaire mayor should fork over the $12 million himself to save the firehouses.

"Why not?" said Lucy Rodriguez, of Brooklyn. "If he donates his money to other things, why not the firemen?"