Local lawmakers took to a Whitestone firehouse to announce some upcoming improvement projects in the borough.
A total of $2,075,000 in funding has been allocated to six different Queens firehouses, Borough President Melinda Katz and Councilman Paul Vallone said on Aug. 29. The lawmakers made the announcement at Engine Company 295/Ladder Company 144, which has been serving the community since 1915.
Jackson Heights’ FDNY Engine Company 307/Ladder Company 154 at 81-19 Northern Blvd. will see a $1.2 million kitchen upgrade, and Jamaica’s Engine Company 275/Ladder Company 133 at 111-36 Merrick Blvd. will undergo a $500,000 window upgrade. Funding for these projects has been allocated by the borough pPresident.
The following northeast Queens firehouses will also see complete firehouse door replacements:
- Whitestone’s Engine Company 295/Ladder Company 144 at 12-49 149th St.
- College Point’s Engine Company 297/Ladder Company 130 at 119-11 14th Rd.
- Bayside’s Engine Company 306 at 40-18 214th Pl.
- Little Neck’s Engine Company 313/Ladder Company 164 at 44-01 244th St.
The $375,000 in funding for these improvements was allocated by Katz, Vallone and the FDNY.
“The men and women of the fire department said these are things that are important to them, which, in turn, important to us,” Vallone said. “These doors have served over 100 years. They’re old, and they need to be fixed.”
“Firehouses hold New York’s Bravest, our heroes who fearlessly run toward danger and crisis when everyone else runs away,” Katz said. “Firehouses are the pillars of the neighborhood, where Queens families turn to for safety and rescue at our most vulnerable hours. In partnership with the Department and leaders like Councilmember Vallone, we’ve issued significant capital investments this year toward important upgrades at several Queens firehouses.”
FDNY Queens Borough Commander Edward Baggott thanked the lawmakers for their support.
“The average firehouse in New York City is approximately 80 years old,” Baggott said. “They work 24/7, 365 days a year. They take a lot of wear and tear. And we really appreciate you coming out, helping us get that job done and keeping these facilities running.”
