Queens Beep Cites Development in Call To Revive Fire Co.

Queens Borough President Helen Marshall is using the proposal for a new development in Hunters Point as a rallying cry to reopen Fire Engine Company 261, which was closed along with five other companies in 2003 due to budget cuts.

HELEN MARSHALL: 'More people need more protection.'

In a set of recommendations she recently issued, Ms. Marshall endorsed a plan to develop Hunters Point South, which in addition to park space would create 5,000 units of new housing, a 1,600-seat school and 90,500 square feet of retain space.

'Added Safety for Growing Area'

"Engine Company 261 should be reopened in recognition that Hunters Point South and Queens West will bring tens of thousands of new people in high-rise buildings into the area," she said in written recommendations regarding the development. "We must be certain that fire safety and protection is adequate to service the increased population."

Ms. Marshall also pointed out that the development would set aside 330 units for middle-income housing, which was defined as being affordable for those making Police and Fire Department entry-level pay, or $36,000 per year, according to her comments.

She has pointed to the residential and commercial growth in the western part of the borough, in particular in Astoria and Long Island City, as reasons to reopen Engine Co. 261. Ms. Marshall is also pushing for a new firehouse in Rockaway.

FDNY spokesman Jim Long responded to the Borough President's statements, saying, "The department evaluates its deployment of its resources and we will continue to do so in an effort to continue to provide the best coverage of keeping the people of New York safe."

Both the Uniformed Firefighters Association and the Uniformed Fire Officers Association have advocated the reopening of the FDNY companies closed in 2003.