Slippery Slope: Engine 271 to Get Axed
It was reported in December that Engine 271 at Himrod and St. Nicholas would lose its night shift to help FDNY save millions. What’s the big deal? — we said — it’s just the night shift. Then we reported in March that 271 could be shut down altogether. We now have confirmation: Engine 271 will be shuttered entirely in July.
It does seem that all things being equal, money should be cut from non-emergency services before things like the Fire Department are downsized.
This is total crap!! Bushwick needs this firehouse badly. Bloomberg needs to find the $ to keep this firehouse open year round. The population has grown significantly in Bushwick, as well as new housing developments. Our lives can not be jeopardized due to the city’s mismanagement of $.
This is an absolutely terrible – and unnecessary – decision and one that should be vigorously opposed by all segments of Bushwick’s community. This is, in short, an issue that can bring the people of Bushwick together in opposing a horrible and poorly thought out City policy. Let’s get together on this!
I just heard from a friend of mine that Engine Company 271 will not be closing after all… NYC Council has come to an agreement with the Mayor and is about to vote against some of the budget cuts that were previously written about. The bad news is that it looks like our sales tax for certain clothing will go up a tiny bit. Somehow you get the feeling that this whole thing might have been orchestrated to eventually coerce and justify the tax increase, doesn’t it? Nahhh, it couldn’t be… could it? hmmmmm