Senator Gianaris Fights Fire Company Closures
May 23, 2011
Demands Mayor Keep Ladder 128 Open
Queens, NY – Senator Michael Gianaris is fighting against the closure of Ladder 128, a fire company located in Long Island City, Queens at 33-51 Greenpoint Avenue. This fire company recently celebrated its 100th Anniversary and serves the neighborhoods of Sunnyside, Woodside, Long Island City and Greenpoint.
Mayor Bloomberg has announced that he is planning on closing 20 fire companies across New York City. Ladder 128 is one of four fire companies in Queens marked for closure.
“Closing Ladder 128 would lengthen response times and harm the safety of western Queens residents,” Senator Gianaris said. “Long Island City continues to grow and is in need of more fire protection services, not less. The Mayor must reconsider and keep Ladder 128 open.”
Mayor Bloomberg last closed six fire companies in the summer of 2003, including Engine Company 268 in Long Island City.
It is estimated that the closures will save the New York City only $55 million.
###
