New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
“During the Special City Council Meeting on July 15, Mayor Jon Mitchell presented the City’s FY21 Budget. Included in his remarks, he stated that he was decommissioning Engine 8, located in the heart of Ward 2. His reasoning is that during this economic crisis, we can longer afford to keep Engine 8 rolling.
When I spoke with the Mayor I asked him to please rethink his decision and to use the rainy day stabilization fund and he said ‘No.’ He said that he had used the rainy day fund for other budgetary needs. Let me just say, that as a resident and the Ward 2 City Councillor, I am both disappointed and shocked that he would put the lives of New Bedford’s residents and businesses in jeopardy. Mayor Mitchell must make Public Safety a priority.
Over the last 6 months, we have had a fire at Sid Wainer & Son, a commercial business on Purchase Street; The Pub located on North Front Street, which 3 buildings were on fire upon Engine 8’s arrival; a fire at a residence on Ashley Boulevard between Deane Street and Coffin Avenue, in which a woman had been trapped, but luckily rescued by our Fire Fighters. We also saw a fire at Bob’s Tire Co., located on Brook Street. This is just a handful of fires that Engine 8 handled.
Mayor Mitchell and the Fire Chief should also remember that within Engine 8’s district we have Joseph Abboud Manufacturing; Taber Mill; Whalers Cove; Riverside Lofts, and all the businesses and residences on Acushnet Avenue. It is also important to remember that we cannot put more strain on our other Fire Engines and Fire Fighters – we MUST keep Engine 8 available and working.
Thank you to the New Bedford Fire Fighters who put their lives on the line every day for our residents. And finally, I want all the residents in New Bedford to know and understand that this decision is not just about the residents and businesses in Ward 2, it is also about you. I am asking the Mayor and the Fire Chief to please reconsider their decision, and to find the money to keep Engine 8 rolling.”
Thank you,
Maria E. Giesta
Ward 2, City Councillor
New Bedford, MA
