From the Queens Chronicle:
Even before Amazon opens its doors to 25,000 additional workers, Long Island City’s fire response infrastructure is already stretched too thin. The area needs a new firehouse, and with Amazon on the horizon, there is no longer time to wait.
Fifteen years ago, long before many of Long Island City’s high-rise towers emerged and tens of thousands of residents moved to a once industrial part of town, the city closed a longstanding firehouse dedicated to the protection of the neighborhood, Engine Co. 261.
This shortsighted move to close Engine 261 left the neighborhood highly vulnerable even at the time of its closing. The Uniformed Firefighters Association, elected officials and civic leaders alike protested the closing, and Mayor de Blasio himself — then a member of the City Council — was part of a lawsuit attempting to block the move.
Fast forward to 2018 and Long Island City has continued to transform, with new high-rise apartments and office buildings worsening the problem.
The nearest fire engine company is 10 blocks away from the old Engine 261, and the greater distance trucks must travel has meant an increase in response times, putting lives at stake — not to mention the increase in traffic and congestion due to the influx of people. Across the city, our firefighters are doing more now with fewer resources than ever. The FDNY has broken its run record for five consecutive years, and unit availability is at an all-time low.
Long Island City, more than any other neighborhood in New York and by some estimates the country, has seen an incredible amount of growth in the last decade. But unacceptably, its fire response infrastructure has not grown with it.
Showing posts with label firehouses. Show all posts
Showing posts with label firehouses. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 4, 2018
Tuesday, September 25, 2018
Far Rockaway firehouse & police station landmarked
From the Times Ledger:
A fire house and a police station both built in Far Rockaway in the early 20th century have officially been approved for landmark status following a unanimous 47-0 vote last week, according to City Councilman Donovan Richards (D-Laurelton).
After Hurricane Sandy in 2012, much of Far Rockaway was in need of redevelopment and surveyors from the city’s Landmarks Preservation Commission researched the history of buildings in the area.
In 2017, Far Rockaway was rezoned and the 101st Precinct — formerly the 53rd Precinct — and the Engine Companies 264 & 328/Ladder 134 were seen as worthy for designation, according to the councilman’s office and the LPC.
“They carry history and have housed some of our most precious civil servants,” Richards said. “These sites will carry on the character that was set when the modern version of our community was first being shaped.”
The precinct — located at 16-12 Mott Ave. — and the fire station — located at 16-15 Central Ave. — publicly came under consideration as landmarks in March and the LPC held a hearing with members of the community in Manhattan one month later.
Boy, the LPC sure loves to designate Queens' unremarkable municipal buildings...and little else.
A fire house and a police station both built in Far Rockaway in the early 20th century have officially been approved for landmark status following a unanimous 47-0 vote last week, according to City Councilman Donovan Richards (D-Laurelton).
After Hurricane Sandy in 2012, much of Far Rockaway was in need of redevelopment and surveyors from the city’s Landmarks Preservation Commission researched the history of buildings in the area.
In 2017, Far Rockaway was rezoned and the 101st Precinct — formerly the 53rd Precinct — and the Engine Companies 264 & 328/Ladder 134 were seen as worthy for designation, according to the councilman’s office and the LPC.
“They carry history and have housed some of our most precious civil servants,” Richards said. “These sites will carry on the character that was set when the modern version of our community was first being shaped.”
The precinct — located at 16-12 Mott Ave. — and the fire station — located at 16-15 Central Ave. — publicly came under consideration as landmarks in March and the LPC held a hearing with members of the community in Manhattan one month later.
Boy, the LPC sure loves to designate Queens' unremarkable municipal buildings...and little else.
Labels:
Far Rockaway,
firehouses,
landmarking,
LPC,
police precincts
Friday, July 27, 2018
Dutch Kills wants firehouse reopened now that it's overdeveloped
From the Queens Gazette:
Neighbors, local lawmakers, union officials and local leaders are renewing their wake up call to Mayor Bill de Blasio and the FDNY, to reactivate Engine Co. 261 before it’s too late to save lives.
The engine company located at a hook and ladder firehouse at 37-20 29th Street in the Dutch Kills section of Long Island City served the community for more than a decade until May 2003, when budget cuts under the Bloomberg administration forced its shutdown.
Ladder Co. 116, which shared the firehouse with Engine Co. 261, remains in service at the 29th Street house. Firefighters, aka “truckees” assigned to Ladder Co. 116 are usually the first to respond to local fires where they force entry, search for victims and ventilate burning buildings. The firefighters also perform rescues and provide medical assistance at fires and in other emergency situations, officials at the Uniformed Firefighters Association (UFA) said.
“All of a sudden, we were left with nothing but a prayer if we needed a local engine company to pour water on a fire,” Dutch Kills Civic Association President George Stamatiades said. “Fifteen years is far too long to be without adequate fire protection. The Dutch Kills community has come of age and we need the fire protection that is justified by our residential growth.
“We will continue our fight for the reactivation of Engine Co. 261 until the city is ready to acknowledge the need for increased fire protection for our booming residential community,” Stamatiades said. “Will it take a tragedy in one of the new high-rise residential or commercial buildings in Dutch Kills for the administration to wake up and smell the smoke?”
Stamatiades, one of dozens of local leaders who battled with city officials more than a decade ago to keep Engine Co. 261 activated, said Dutch Kills was a much different community in 2003.
“City officials said Engine Col. 261 had to go, because there wasn’t enough need for it,” he said. “We’re telling the city to take a new look at Dutch Kills today. Take a look at the new Dutch Kills and Long Island City communities that boast thousands of new residential units that tens of thousands of people call home.”
Monday, May 7, 2018
Sandy's lesson not learned?
From Crains:
The community of Rockaway Park, Queens, has mixed opinions on a plan to replace a historic firehouse badly damaged by Superstorm Sandy.
New York Fire Department officials say they want to build a new firehouse on the site of a former bank, shuttered after the 2012 storm. WCBS-TV reports the local community board voted against the location but was overruled by the city Planning Commission.
The property sits across the street from the sea wall of Jamaica Bay and is considered a flood zone. Resident Bianca Sepulveda said Monday that she feels it is a risk to have a firehouse right on top of the water.
The FDNY said in a statement that the planned building will meet all flood resiliency standards.
The community of Rockaway Park, Queens, has mixed opinions on a plan to replace a historic firehouse badly damaged by Superstorm Sandy.
New York Fire Department officials say they want to build a new firehouse on the site of a former bank, shuttered after the 2012 storm. WCBS-TV reports the local community board voted against the location but was overruled by the city Planning Commission.
The property sits across the street from the sea wall of Jamaica Bay and is considered a flood zone. Resident Bianca Sepulveda said Monday that she feels it is a risk to have a firehouse right on top of the water.
The FDNY said in a statement that the planned building will meet all flood resiliency standards.
Labels:
community board,
FDNY,
firehouses,
flooding,
jamaica bay
Thursday, March 29, 2018
Rockaway firehouse and police precinct up for landmarking
From the Times Ledger:
Two buildings in Far Rockaway were up for consideration as preserved landmarks last week in Manhattan.
The first was Firehouse and Engine Companies 264 and 328/Hook and Ladder 134, located at 16-15 Central Ave., according to the city’s Landmarks Preservation Commission.
The second facility up for designation was the 101st Precinct Police Station — formerly the 53rd Precinct — located at 16-12 Mott Ave., which is five minutes away from the firehouse, according to LPC.
The Renaissance Revival-styled firehouse, affectionately called “The Big House” by locals, was built from 1911 to 1913 by architectural firm Hoppin & Koen.
Prominent architects Frances Hoppin and Terrence Koen designed the three-structure firehouse with limestone at the ground floor, three segmental-arched vehicle bays, red brick cladding on the upper stories, a cast stone entablature and a brick parapet, according to LPC.
The precinct is a combination of the Renaissance and Colonial Revival styles and was designed by the Police Department’s Superintendent of Buildings Thomas O’Brien, said LPC. It was built from 1927 to 1928.
Two buildings in Far Rockaway were up for consideration as preserved landmarks last week in Manhattan.
The first was Firehouse and Engine Companies 264 and 328/Hook and Ladder 134, located at 16-15 Central Ave., according to the city’s Landmarks Preservation Commission.
The second facility up for designation was the 101st Precinct Police Station — formerly the 53rd Precinct — located at 16-12 Mott Ave., which is five minutes away from the firehouse, according to LPC.
The Renaissance Revival-styled firehouse, affectionately called “The Big House” by locals, was built from 1911 to 1913 by architectural firm Hoppin & Koen.
Prominent architects Frances Hoppin and Terrence Koen designed the three-structure firehouse with limestone at the ground floor, three segmental-arched vehicle bays, red brick cladding on the upper stories, a cast stone entablature and a brick parapet, according to LPC.
The precinct is a combination of the Renaissance and Colonial Revival styles and was designed by the Police Department’s Superintendent of Buildings Thomas O’Brien, said LPC. It was built from 1927 to 1928.
Labels:
firehouses,
landmarking,
LPC,
police precincts
Wednesday, June 28, 2017
Dutch Kills wants firehouse reopened
From LIC Post:
Dutch Kills residents are fighting to get their FDNY Engine Company back.
Residents are calling for its return after it closed 14 years ago, saying it is needed since the population continues to grow.
They held a rally Friday along with elected leaders, firefighters and union officials demanding the City reopen Engine 261 located at 37-20 29th Street.
Budget cuts under Mayor Michael Bloomberg forced the engine company, responsible for putting water on flames, to move out in 2003. Ladder Company 116, which handles rescues, remains.
The firehouse is located within blocks of Ravenswood Houses, Kaufman Astoria Studios, the Museum of the Moving Image and several schools.
Since Engine Company 261 closed, more than 12,000 new housing units have been built in Long Island City, with another 20,000-plus in the works, according to data from the Long Island City Partnership.
Dutch Kills residents are fighting to get their FDNY Engine Company back.
Residents are calling for its return after it closed 14 years ago, saying it is needed since the population continues to grow.
They held a rally Friday along with elected leaders, firefighters and union officials demanding the City reopen Engine 261 located at 37-20 29th Street.
Budget cuts under Mayor Michael Bloomberg forced the engine company, responsible for putting water on flames, to move out in 2003. Ladder Company 116, which handles rescues, remains.
The firehouse is located within blocks of Ravenswood Houses, Kaufman Astoria Studios, the Museum of the Moving Image and several schools.
Since Engine Company 261 closed, more than 12,000 new housing units have been built in Long Island City, with another 20,000-plus in the works, according to data from the Long Island City Partnership.
Labels:
Dutch Kills,
firehouses,
LIC,
overdevelopment
Saturday, November 19, 2016
Woodhaven residents concerned about overdevelopment in wake of firehouse relocation
From NY1:
Having an old firehouse just a few doors from their homes has been a source of comfort for many who live on or near 87th Street. Some say it has been a lifesaver.
"I get asthma, and there is times I have to call them, and instead of the truck, they run down the block," said one resident.
"I had a fire. I live on 85th Street. And it was just so great having someone that close," said another.
But that's about to change. The firehouse is set to undergo an extensive 18-month renovation, which will force Engine Company 293 to relocate to a firehouse at 101st street and Jamaica Avenue. The new location is about a half mile away, and that has some residents worried.
"These little houses here that used to be two families, you now have four and five families living here, and for that reason alone, you really need something quite close," said one resident.
Responding to the concerns, the Fire Department says that during the renovation, the neighborhood will be covered by other fire companies in addition to Engine Company 293, a redundancy that should reduce the impact of the closure.
Having an old firehouse just a few doors from their homes has been a source of comfort for many who live on or near 87th Street. Some say it has been a lifesaver.
"I get asthma, and there is times I have to call them, and instead of the truck, they run down the block," said one resident.
"I had a fire. I live on 85th Street. And it was just so great having someone that close," said another.
But that's about to change. The firehouse is set to undergo an extensive 18-month renovation, which will force Engine Company 293 to relocate to a firehouse at 101st street and Jamaica Avenue. The new location is about a half mile away, and that has some residents worried.
"These little houses here that used to be two families, you now have four and five families living here, and for that reason alone, you really need something quite close," said one resident.
Responding to the concerns, the Fire Department says that during the renovation, the neighborhood will be covered by other fire companies in addition to Engine Company 293, a redundancy that should reduce the impact of the closure.
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
City closed firehouses and then overdeveloped LIC & Greenpoint
From LTV Squad:
Over the last 10 years, Long Island City (LIC), Williamsburg and Greenpoint transformed from neglected low-population industrial neighborhoods to tightly packed thriving residential areas. Dozens of factories and warehouses have been replaced with high rise apartment buildings. Basic NYC government services have not kept pace with the growing population, and one of the most overlooked and life threatening of those services is the NYC fire department.
In 2003, former Mayor Bloomberg closed 7 firehouses in NYC. Two of those were located in Williamsburg (engine 212) and LIC (engine 261). 2 years after closing these fire houses, Bloomberg rezoned much of North Brooklyn for high rise development (LIC was already rezoned in 2001). Less services + large population density. What could go possibly wrong?
In the case of Engine 261, response time to fires in the area immediately went up. Some area residents didn’t even know they were losing a firetruck: The community board covering Roosevelt Island was not properly notified.
The same increase in response time has affected Northwest Brooklyn, where response time increased up to a minute. A minute is a long time when a building is on fire. A minute is often the difference between life and death. Just check out the videos from the recent gas explosion on the Lower East Side, where an off-duty fireman helped rescue a woman from a fire escape and took a quick look for additional victims. By the time he got back to the ground, the building is fully engulfed. If there had been additional victims trapped upstairs, they would not have made it. All of this happened before the first truck due arrived!
Simply stated – there’s a higher density of firehouses in Manhattan compared to neighborhoods in Brooklyn and Queens that have been rezoned for high rises buildings. These ‘outer boro’ neighborhoods will soon have the same population density as Manhattan without the services to match.
FDNY personnel is spread thin in these neighborhoods, and many of the new residents of these neighborhoods are new to the area (or new to the city), don’t know that their fire houses were taken away, or that they are being short changed on services. The only reason they don’t know is because there haven’t been any articles written on this subject at all, and no stories in the press or even on other blogs.
Over the last 10 years, Long Island City (LIC), Williamsburg and Greenpoint transformed from neglected low-population industrial neighborhoods to tightly packed thriving residential areas. Dozens of factories and warehouses have been replaced with high rise apartment buildings. Basic NYC government services have not kept pace with the growing population, and one of the most overlooked and life threatening of those services is the NYC fire department.
In 2003, former Mayor Bloomberg closed 7 firehouses in NYC. Two of those were located in Williamsburg (engine 212) and LIC (engine 261). 2 years after closing these fire houses, Bloomberg rezoned much of North Brooklyn for high rise development (LIC was already rezoned in 2001). Less services + large population density. What could go possibly wrong?
In the case of Engine 261, response time to fires in the area immediately went up. Some area residents didn’t even know they were losing a firetruck: The community board covering Roosevelt Island was not properly notified.
The same increase in response time has affected Northwest Brooklyn, where response time increased up to a minute. A minute is a long time when a building is on fire. A minute is often the difference between life and death. Just check out the videos from the recent gas explosion on the Lower East Side, where an off-duty fireman helped rescue a woman from a fire escape and took a quick look for additional victims. By the time he got back to the ground, the building is fully engulfed. If there had been additional victims trapped upstairs, they would not have made it. All of this happened before the first truck due arrived!
Simply stated – there’s a higher density of firehouses in Manhattan compared to neighborhoods in Brooklyn and Queens that have been rezoned for high rises buildings. These ‘outer boro’ neighborhoods will soon have the same population density as Manhattan without the services to match.
FDNY personnel is spread thin in these neighborhoods, and many of the new residents of these neighborhoods are new to the area (or new to the city), don’t know that their fire houses were taken away, or that they are being short changed on services. The only reason they don’t know is because there haven’t been any articles written on this subject at all, and no stories in the press or even on other blogs.
Labels:
FDNY,
fire,
firehouses,
LIC,
overdevelopment
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Lots of day care centers are under the radar
From the Queens Courier:
A little known law may be keeping some Queens day care centers from operating legally, The Courier has learned.
Permits from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), a certificate of occupancy from the Department of Buildings and a fire inspection pass are needed for city child care providers who fall under certain categories. These include those who look after three or more kids unrelated to them either in a private home or institution for more than three hours a day, on a regular basis.
But a less familiar rule requires these centers also give written notification to local precincts and fire departments within five days of receiving certifications, the agencies said.
“The day care centers are kind of off our radar. For safety reasons, we’d like to know where they are,” said Special Operations Lieutenant Daniel Heffernan of the 111th Precinct.
According to Heffernan, about 26 centers in the Bayside-based precinct are legally licensed with the city. The precinct’s list is still being updated, but only eight were registered with police as of press time.
A little known law may be keeping some Queens day care centers from operating legally, The Courier has learned.
Permits from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), a certificate of occupancy from the Department of Buildings and a fire inspection pass are needed for city child care providers who fall under certain categories. These include those who look after three or more kids unrelated to them either in a private home or institution for more than three hours a day, on a regular basis.
But a less familiar rule requires these centers also give written notification to local precincts and fire departments within five days of receiving certifications, the agencies said.
“The day care centers are kind of off our radar. For safety reasons, we’d like to know where they are,” said Special Operations Lieutenant Daniel Heffernan of the 111th Precinct.
According to Heffernan, about 26 centers in the Bayside-based precinct are legally licensed with the city. The precinct’s list is still being updated, but only eight were registered with police as of press time.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Rockaway firehouse to be landmarked
From the Daily News:
Five city firehouses, including a 100-year-old Rockaway building that escaped the fire and floods of Superstorm Sandy, could soon receive landmark designation.
The city Landmarks Preservation Commission, which is set to vote on the designation Tuesday, has been making a special effort in recent years to protect historic municipal buildings and their unique architecture.
Two of the firehouses are in the Bronx and another two in Brooklyn.
“Firehouses and other public buildings are often the most prominent structures in their neighborhoods,” said Simeon Bankoff of the Historic Districts Council. “They serve as landmarks and we’re pleased to see them become ‘Landmarks’ in fact as well.”
Engine Co. 268/Hook and Ladder 137 on Beach 116th St. sits just a few blocks from the beach in Rockaway. Sections of the the neighborhoods surrounding it went up in flames during Superstorm Sandy.
The Colonial Revival-style building that houses Engine Co. 268 in Rockaway Park was designed by architect Frank J. Helmle. It also has elements of the Arts and Crafts style, such as ceramic shields and a stepped parapet wall.
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Conversion of Rockaway firehouse in limbo
From the Daily News:
Grand plans to transform a shuttered Rockaway firehouse into a cultural and environmental center have been stymied by bureaucratic red tape, according to the group selected by the city to purchase the site.
The Rockaway Waterfront Alliance beat out other groups in 2009 for the right to purchase the decommissioned Engine Co. 265 Ladder 121 firehouse at Beach 59th St.
It seemed like a sweet deal. The purchase price for the 7,200-square-foot building was $1.
But the nonprofit group said they never expected the approvals and paperwork needed to seal the deal would move at such a glacial pace.
“We thought we would go through ULURP and be on our way,” said Jeanne DuPont, executive director of the Rockaway Waterfront Alliance, referring to the Uniform Land Use Review Process.
DuPont said the group laid out about $200,000 for architectural drawings, site surveys, construction documents and environmental reviews.
They are hoping to be reimbursed with promised grants.
“The grants won’t be released until we own the building,” she said. “We’re building debt and going into dangerous waters.”
Grand plans to transform a shuttered Rockaway firehouse into a cultural and environmental center have been stymied by bureaucratic red tape, according to the group selected by the city to purchase the site.
The Rockaway Waterfront Alliance beat out other groups in 2009 for the right to purchase the decommissioned Engine Co. 265 Ladder 121 firehouse at Beach 59th St.
It seemed like a sweet deal. The purchase price for the 7,200-square-foot building was $1.
But the nonprofit group said they never expected the approvals and paperwork needed to seal the deal would move at such a glacial pace.
“We thought we would go through ULURP and be on our way,” said Jeanne DuPont, executive director of the Rockaway Waterfront Alliance, referring to the Uniform Land Use Review Process.
DuPont said the group laid out about $200,000 for architectural drawings, site surveys, construction documents and environmental reviews.
They are hoping to be reimbursed with promised grants.
“The grants won’t be released until we own the building,” she said. “We’re building debt and going into dangerous waters.”
Labels:
architects,
environmental review,
Far Rockaway,
firehouses,
funding,
grants,
not for profit,
ulurp
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Another firehouse proposed for landmarking
From the Forum:
The building that houses New York’s bravest in Forest Hills could be added to the list of New York City landmarks if it gets the approval of a city agency and the City Council.
Engine 305, a firehouse on Queens Boulevard in Forest Hills, has been nominated for landmark status by the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC).
The facility was built between 1922 and 1924, and was intended to serve the population boom of that neighborhood during that time. It had an increase in residential construction after World War I ended.
The building is a two-story Neo-Medieval-style firehouse that is made out of red bricks. The size and design of the facility is thought to be unique for a New York City firehouse, but it was built to fit the structure of nearby communities in the area. John Sliney is credited with designing the building. During his tenure as head building inspector of the Fire Department, he designed about 70 firehouses throughout New York City.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Halloran thinks it's all about him
From the Times Ledger:
When it comes to Mayor Michael Bloomberg, everyone from Democrats to Republicans agree on one thing following his $70 billion budget proposal, according to City Councilman Dan Halloran (R-Whitestone).
“He sucks as a mayor,” Halloran said during a town hall meeting about Bloomberg’s budget last week at PS 203 in Oakland Gardens. “To get all of us to agree, that is a big deal because we don’t agree on anything. The mayor has united all of us at being ticked off at him.”
Halloran contended Bloomberg’s plan to close 20 firehouses was personal because out of the 20, one was in his district — Engine Co. 306 in Bayside — and two others were where his brothers work.
“That’s a pretty big coincidence in a city of 9 million,” the councilman said, noting he believed Bloomberg chose those firehouses because Halloran was going to subpoena which firehouses he planned on shuttering.
But a Bloomberg spokesman said the 20 firehouses are a draft list that came from the FDNY, not the mayor, and that the decision to close the 20 has nothing to do with Halloran.
“The list is based on usage rates and response times and the data is clear as day for why they were chosen,” the spokesman said.
When it comes to Mayor Michael Bloomberg, everyone from Democrats to Republicans agree on one thing following his $70 billion budget proposal, according to City Councilman Dan Halloran (R-Whitestone).
“He sucks as a mayor,” Halloran said during a town hall meeting about Bloomberg’s budget last week at PS 203 in Oakland Gardens. “To get all of us to agree, that is a big deal because we don’t agree on anything. The mayor has united all of us at being ticked off at him.”
Halloran contended Bloomberg’s plan to close 20 firehouses was personal because out of the 20, one was in his district — Engine Co. 306 in Bayside — and two others were where his brothers work.
“That’s a pretty big coincidence in a city of 9 million,” the councilman said, noting he believed Bloomberg chose those firehouses because Halloran was going to subpoena which firehouses he planned on shuttering.
But a Bloomberg spokesman said the 20 firehouses are a draft list that came from the FDNY, not the mayor, and that the decision to close the 20 has nothing to do with Halloran.
“The list is based on usage rates and response times and the data is clear as day for why they were chosen,” the spokesman said.
Labels:
Bloomberg,
budget cuts,
Dan Halloran,
firehouses
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
FDNY houses on chopping block
E294 101-20 Jamaica Ave. Queens
E306 40-18 214th Place Queens
E328 16-19 Central Ave. Queens
L128 33-51 Greenpoint Ave. Queens
From NY1.
E306 40-18 214th Place Queens
E328 16-19 Central Ave. Queens
L128 33-51 Greenpoint Ave. Queens
From NY1.
Labels:
budget cuts,
FDNY,
fire,
firehouses,
safety
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Bloomberg to close firehouses at night
From the NY Post:
Mayor Bloomberg today is expected to order thousands of layoffs next year in bruising budget cuts intended to close a massive gap, sources told The Post last night.
Bloomberg will announce the widespread job reductions and service cuts as he tries to close the nearly $3.3 billion budget deficit the city is facing next year.
In September he directed all agency heads to cut 5.4 percent from their current budgets and 8 percent from their spending plans for next year.
The cuts were lower -- 2.7 percent this year and 4 percent next year -- for the Department of Education and the four uniformed agencies, the NYPD, FDNY, Sanitation and Correction.
The total cuts over the next 18 months will total at least $1.5 billion.
One source familiar with what the mayor will announce today said Hizzoner will drop the budget ax hard on services for seniors, libraries and cultural centers, while trying to spare the NYPD and Department of Education.
The mayor also is expected to propose closing 20 fire companies at night -- a tempered plan after his suggestion to completely shutter 20 fire companies last year faced resistance.
Awesome! Don't burn the midnight oil, folks.
I still find it fascinating that we have all kinds of money for Willets Point, Atlantic Yards and dead weight at City Hall, but none for vital services that affect our safety. More fascinating is that the public and their elected reps are content with being bitchslapped.
Labels:
Bloomberg,
budget cuts,
Department of Education,
FDNY,
firehouses,
NYPD
Thursday, July 29, 2010
New firehouse in Broad Channel despite Sadik-Khan
From the Queens Chronicle:
After years of jumping through beaureaucratic hoops, the Broad Channel Volunteer Fire Department appears to be on track to get a new firehouse.
A bill sponsored by Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer (D-Ozone Park) and state Senator Shirley Huntley (D-Jamaica) that would allow the state Department of Transportation to be in charge of the project passed both houses of the Legislature this month. The project had been under the city DOT’s purview, but the city had said it wouldn’t pursue the project, deeming it unnecessary.
“With this bill giving the state control of the project, we think this is finally going to happen,” said Pheffer.
This is just the latest news in the long and convoluted history of the project.
In 2005, Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-Queens and Brooklyn) and then-Sen. Hilary Clinton (D-New York) placed $2 million in the next year’s Omnibus Transportation Bill to fund a new firehouse for the department.
However, the city DOT had to approve the spending, which it never did. The agency is mandated by Federal Highway Administration rules to have complete control of such a project from start to finish.
The city told the vollies it didn’t think the project was necessary, that the fire department underestimated the cost of its project and the city didn’t have the $3.9 million in matching funds it claimed the plan required.
But with the legislation that puts the state Dormitory Authority in charge, Pheffer believes the vollies’ long quest for a new headquarters may be nearing an end.
After years of jumping through beaureaucratic hoops, the Broad Channel Volunteer Fire Department appears to be on track to get a new firehouse.
A bill sponsored by Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer (D-Ozone Park) and state Senator Shirley Huntley (D-Jamaica) that would allow the state Department of Transportation to be in charge of the project passed both houses of the Legislature this month. The project had been under the city DOT’s purview, but the city had said it wouldn’t pursue the project, deeming it unnecessary.
“With this bill giving the state control of the project, we think this is finally going to happen,” said Pheffer.
This is just the latest news in the long and convoluted history of the project.
In 2005, Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-Queens and Brooklyn) and then-Sen. Hilary Clinton (D-New York) placed $2 million in the next year’s Omnibus Transportation Bill to fund a new firehouse for the department.
However, the city DOT had to approve the spending, which it never did. The agency is mandated by Federal Highway Administration rules to have complete control of such a project from start to finish.
The city told the vollies it didn’t think the project was necessary, that the fire department underestimated the cost of its project and the city didn’t have the $3.9 million in matching funds it claimed the plan required.
But with the legislation that puts the state Dormitory Authority in charge, Pheffer believes the vollies’ long quest for a new headquarters may be nearing an end.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Deputy Mayor has no problem closing firehouses
Dispatch from Queens Crap Roving Reporter #3:
"Stephen Goldsmith wants to close more firehouses and lay off more firefighters. At a July 20, 2010 breakfast meeting, the new Deputy Mayor of New York City had to answer for his opinions about more FDNY cost-cutting.
Mr. Goldsmith said he believed that the city had to renegotiate collective bargaining agreements and challenge court orders that regulate the public safety in order to cut costs.
Mr. Goldsmith was appointed on April 30, 2010, to become deputy mayor by Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Under three consecutive terms of the Bloomberg administration, the city has closed firehouses all over the city. But as many as have already been shut down, it still isn't enough for the mayor or his new deputy mayor. They want to see more firemen leave the service, and they want to find ways to cut retirement benefits to our city's heroes."
My favorite dumb line:
This boob does realize that 2 companies in the same house serve different functions, right?
Here's how this was reported in Crain's.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Firehouses saved - or are they?
From True News from ChangeNYC.org:
Library, Senior and Education Cuts; Firehouses Saved Until Budget Modifications?
The council showed what a hot button issue the closing of firehouses has become when they agreed to not close 20 fire companies - for which they will cut almost every other service. The question will be how real of a budget the city can make when the state could cut additional billions from the city after they agree to a fine budget. Already the city faces a 600 million shortfall of Medicaid costs because it is unclear if the feds will fund this money the city expects. Look for additional budget cuts all year long. The budget that passes is meaningless if the money the city expects does not roll in. Mayor Bloomberg confessed he’s “worried” the state still does not have a budget, although the legislative leaders reportedly negotiated late into the night.
Cuts We Know About
-Six-day library service will be slashed to five The restoration is dependent on 60 fire trucks going from six to five firefighters and the removal of fire alarm boxes, which requires approval from the council and firefighter unions.
-Between five and 10 senior centers will close (NYP) between 30 and 40 senior centers will be closed and the number of teachers in the city will be reduced via attrition by more than 2,000 (WSJ)
-Elimination of some senior day care programs
-City agencies still have to cope with $1 billion in other service reductions
-Hundreds of city workers will still face layoffs
-Thousands of city positions could be eliminated through attrition
Spending would increase by $3.6 billion, or about 6 percent, compared with the budget approved a year ago, because of rising pension and health care costs. The budget restores Priority 7 daycare vouchers – a big issue for the Orthodox Jewish community.
Library, Senior and Education Cuts; Firehouses Saved Until Budget Modifications?
The council showed what a hot button issue the closing of firehouses has become when they agreed to not close 20 fire companies - for which they will cut almost every other service. The question will be how real of a budget the city can make when the state could cut additional billions from the city after they agree to a fine budget. Already the city faces a 600 million shortfall of Medicaid costs because it is unclear if the feds will fund this money the city expects. Look for additional budget cuts all year long. The budget that passes is meaningless if the money the city expects does not roll in. Mayor Bloomberg confessed he’s “worried” the state still does not have a budget, although the legislative leaders reportedly negotiated late into the night.
Cuts We Know About
-Six-day library service will be slashed to five The restoration is dependent on 60 fire trucks going from six to five firefighters and the removal of fire alarm boxes, which requires approval from the council and firefighter unions.
-Between five and 10 senior centers will close (NYP) between 30 and 40 senior centers will be closed and the number of teachers in the city will be reduced via attrition by more than 2,000 (WSJ)
-Elimination of some senior day care programs
-City agencies still have to cope with $1 billion in other service reductions
-Hundreds of city workers will still face layoffs
-Thousands of city positions could be eliminated through attrition
Spending would increase by $3.6 billion, or about 6 percent, compared with the budget approved a year ago, because of rising pension and health care costs. The budget restores Priority 7 daycare vouchers – a big issue for the Orthodox Jewish community.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Firehouses spared from budget axe
From Gotham Gazette:
We just got this from Councilmember Elizabeth Crowley’s office:
“Our top priority is to keep New Yorkers safe and by finding the money to save firehouses, we succeeded today,” said City Council Fire & Criminal Justice Chair Elizabeth Crowley. “When we started this fight, 62 fire companies were on the chopping block - now all will remain open. The City has negotiated a budget that will restore the $37 million to keep our fire companies open. Thanks to the efforts of firefighters, elected officials, community leaders and thousands of New Yorkers from every borough, we won this fight for our fire protection.”
We just got this from Councilmember Elizabeth Crowley’s office:
“Our top priority is to keep New Yorkers safe and by finding the money to save firehouses, we succeeded today,” said City Council Fire & Criminal Justice Chair Elizabeth Crowley. “When we started this fight, 62 fire companies were on the chopping block - now all will remain open. The City has negotiated a budget that will restore the $37 million to keep our fire companies open. Thanks to the efforts of firefighters, elected officials, community leaders and thousands of New Yorkers from every borough, we won this fight for our fire protection.”
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