Ann Arbor officials seek public feedback on proposal to close 2 fire stations
City officials are seeking public feedback on a proposal to reorganize the Ann Arbor Fire Department and close two stations.
Fire Chief Chuck Hubbard presented a plan to the City Council in March that calls for operating three fire stations instead of five: One on the north side of the city (Station 5), one on the south side (Station 2) and one downtown (Station 1).
That requires reopening Station 2 at Stadium and Packard, which was closed several years ago during a round of budget cuts, and closing Station 3 at 2130 Jackson Ave., Station 4 at 2415 Huron Parkway, and Station 6 at 1881 Briarwood Circle.
Ann Arbor could lose three of its fire stations, as well as see one reopen, under a reorganization plan still under consideration.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
Residents are asked to email feedback@a2gov.org with any questions and comments about the proposal, with the subject line "Fire Proposal."
You also can request a presentation to be given to your neighborhood, community or business association by contacting Lisa Wondrash at lwondrash@a2gov.org or 734-794-6152.
A lack of staffing in the fire department is driving the reorganization. Hubbard believes by bunching up the department's limited resources at three stations, the city will be able to come closer to meeting national standards for having an initial timely response of four firefighters.
- Watch an interview with Hubbard on CTN's "Conversations"
The city's current response model has just three firefighters staffed at each station. Hubbard's plan would enable four firefighters to be on duty at each of the three stations.
When Hubbard originally presented his plan, it was expected to take effect by July, but following controversy over the proposal, city officials announced in April they would hold off. The reason cited at the time was that it wasn't an ideal time to deploy the plan, which relies heavily on reopening Station 2 at Stadium and Packard and having that be one of three stations, while the Stadium bridges and Stadium Boulevard are under construction.
Council Member Jane Lumm told AnnArbor.com in a recent Q&A that she's hearing from residents who are concerned about the reorganization plan, particularly the plan to close the station on Huron Parkway "because that does serve a lot of folks in this part of town."
"The proposed reorganization is primarily for fighting fires, but I think people are also concerned about what this will mean for other emergency responses, medical responses primarily, that the fire department is responsible for," she said. "But with more staffing, perhaps this can be avoided and we can manage to continue with the current setup."
Ann Arbor officials are hoping to use a $642,294 federal grant to hire four new firefighters soon, but Hubbard has said he'd like two more to get to a "magic number" of 88 firefighters.
Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529. You also can follow him on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's email newsletters.
Comments
15crown00
Fri, Nov 9, 2012 : 1:26 p.m.
This is wron headed and stupid.How can so much less be more.
easy123
Sat, Jun 30, 2012 : 2:21 a.m.
This is a direct result of the retored fire fighters who ended up with a pension of over $100,000 plus health. We could have hired a firefighter or two -
SMC
Fri, Jun 29, 2012 : 10:33 p.m.
I hope the money they're saving by closing fire stations will be spent on things the city really needs, like more public art and bicycle paths.
Madeleine Borthwick
Fri, Jun 29, 2012 : 5:02 p.m.
Just why are we being asked to provide feedback when the powers-that-be aren't listening, and will do whatever the *heck* they feel like doing, whether it's in our best interest or not. I won't waste my time.
Alan Goldsmith
Fri, Jun 29, 2012 : 3:04 p.m.
Don't worry, the reopened station is located in Burns Park. With the Mayor and others on Council and one member of the County Commission in close proximity.
Inderpal
Fri, Jun 29, 2012 : 1:23 p.m.
The fire chief has a good idea.I support the concept of reducing cost, cutting waste and making AAFD more efficient. A question I have is: Has there been discussions on copperation and coordination between AAFD and the adjoining units of government ( Supperior twp, Pittsfield twp,Scio twp, AA twp, Ypsi twp and others? I think before this issue can be commented upon, the AAFD and city admin need to do that. What is the net impact of cooperation on human safety and business economics? We need more information. Inderpal
talker
Tue, Jul 3, 2012 : 9:19 p.m.
I believe we already have back-up agreements with surrounding communities, including Pittsfield Township and Ypsilanti. That works both ways, though. I read that a serious fire in Ypsilanti earlier this week was put out by the Ann Arbor Fire Dept.. Agreements to share are good, but only if there are enough stations and enough firefighters to get to fires fast and have enough people and equipment to fight the fire.
Veracity
Fri, Jun 29, 2012 : 12:54 p.m.
Home owners whose nearest fire station will be closed should contact their home insurance companies to discover how much their house insurance premiums will increase. Mine could rise more than $250 per year. (An unintended consequence?)
Wolf's Bane
Fri, Jun 29, 2012 : 12:01 p.m.
Okay, so the State is awarding Detroit a grant to keep Firefighters on the payroll, citing that leaving the city of Detroit vulnerable to increased fire risk is unacceptable. Meanwhile, in A2, we have a construction boom and population growth, yet we need to close two stations? This makes no sense at all.
Alan Goldsmith
Fri, Jun 29, 2012 : 10:54 a.m.
"Yes, they should close two stations: The station closest to City Hall and the station closest to the mayor's house." Don't worry, reopening the station at Packard and Stadium will make sure the Mayor, several Council members and at least one current County Commissioner in and around the immediate Burns Park area will be protected while the other two stations are shut down. Don't worry about the Mayor--his neighborhood is covered.
HappySenior
Fri, Jun 29, 2012 : 10:43 a.m.
"Hubbard believes by bunching up the department's limited resources at three stations, the city will be able to come closer to meeting national standards for having an initial timely response of four firefighters." Are there national standards for having enough firefighters and equipment show up to handle the blaze?
SonnyDog09
Fri, Jun 29, 2012 : 2:17 p.m.
NFPA 1710 http://www.nfpa.org/itemDetail.asp?categoryID=999&itemID=24346&URL=Codes%20&%20Standards/Standards%20development%20process/&cookie_test=1
Stuart Brown
Fri, Jun 29, 2012 : 3:11 a.m.
I've said this before and I will say it again: Ann Arbor needs to tell UofM that they either get their own fire department or be cut off from service by the AAFD.
pluto77
Fri, Jun 29, 2012 : 2:54 a.m.
Retired Fire Cheif Fred Schmid currently has the largest pension worth up to 4.5 million. Go talk to him and the scores of other city employees pulling down fat pensions cause I'm all tapped out. Check out citizensunited.org and search for City of Ann Arbor top 50 pensions and brace yourself.
SonnyDog09
Fri, Jun 29, 2012 : 1:32 a.m.
As a citizen, homeowner and taxpayer in one of the areas of the city that you are admitting that you will not be able to provide NFPA response levels to when you implement your scheme to close two firestations, I am wondering why I will have to continue to pay taxes for services that you are clearly not going to provide to me?
PrevoTownie
Fri, Jun 29, 2012 : 3 a.m.
But there are 3 who arrive pretty quick, I would bet and that is better than 4 that take 4 or 5 minutes longer.
Peregrine
Fri, Jun 29, 2012 : 2:08 a.m.
Under the current organization of fire stations, how long does it take for four firefighters to arrive your house now? I'm betting you're in an area where both the nearest *and* second nearest stations both have to arrive before four fire fighters are on the scene.
aataxpayer
Fri, Jun 29, 2012 : 1:26 a.m.
Given the layout of Ann Arbor roads and the ability to supplement with mutual aid response at the edges of town it's a good plan.
PrevoTownie
Fri, Jun 29, 2012 : 3:09 a.m.
That should be time not tie.
PrevoTownie
Fri, Jun 29, 2012 : 3:06 a.m.
Why should the surrounding areas foot your bill for the lack of support by your government. Mutual aid was not meant to supplement your department all the time. I do not mind my tax dollars helping you out at times, but I am not going to foot the bill all the tie.
nunya
Fri, Jun 29, 2012 : 1:12 a.m.
This issue is about more or less fire stations, not firefighters. I want more just like everyone else. But, if there is only one firefighter at the station to drive the truck to the fire what's the point. The proposal is trying to make the best use of the resources the chief was given. We have these big buildings with two or three trucks but if you don't have the staff, how are they going to get to the fire? Operate the stations in the closest proximity to the areas where the most requests for service are until we get someone to fix the budget.
nunya
Sat, Jun 30, 2012 : 4:10 p.m.
Thanks Razor, that is good information. My perspective was from a visit to station 1 a few months ago and there was only enough staff on duty (early evening) for one truck to be in service. It seemed that this was the norm.
Razor
Fri, Jun 29, 2012 : 2:11 p.m.
@ Nunya....All 5 stations right now have (3) personnel on each truck 24 hrs a day 7 days a week with an avg response time of 5 minutes to anywhere in the city. Under the proposal, the Chief want a ladder and battalion chief at U-M station 5 (4 people), 3 engines at sta 1 (6 people) and 2 engines at station 2 (6 people). There is NO plan to increase staffing, just move personnel from one station to another and increase response times. Total personnel on duty right now is 16 throughout the city.
A2newbie
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 11:59 p.m.
You know next week there will be a story on how should Ann Arbor spend $500,000 on art........ Can this city possibly do anymore to keep putting it's residents safety at risk? Come on...
martini man
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 11:58 p.m.
Sure ..close more fire stations and open more ART exhibits . Makes sense to a liberal, so what's the issue ????
Geri
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 10:45 p.m.
No, do not close the fire stations.
Tru2Blu76
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 10:15 p.m.
Simple: the Republicans demand government services without taxes (funding), so close the fire and police facilities nearest Republican neighborhoods - let the "geniuses" work this out for themselves, since they claim to be the real experts. Or just let their wealthy friends pay for "privatized" police & fire protection. Isn't that their panacea for everything in this country? LOL! Lets do this!
Stephen Landes
Fri, Jun 29, 2012 : 1:53 p.m.
Which locally elected Republican politicians that have control over the city budget are you talking about? Name just ONE, please.
PrevoTownie
Fri, Jun 29, 2012 : 3:12 a.m.
I agree get rid of all the politicians and there inflated pensions and lifetime healthcare and while we are at it get rid of those overpaid athletes.
pluto77
Fri, Jun 29, 2012 : 2:49 a.m.
Works for me! Where do I sign up? Get rid of all of them and there inflated pensions we'd all be in much better shape.
claymation
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 10:04 p.m.
Really! Really! Just how short is everyones memory? The Mayor and City council just had to spend your tax dollars for a very expensive ICMA study of the fire department. That study came with nationally recognized recommendations, yet it seems everyone wants to hide their head in the sand. Instead lets just take a chain saw approach based on limited data "has anyone seen it" that no one wishes to share, post or even make public. I checked, I don't see it on the fire departments web pages, most major fire departments post that data, hum more questions. Just what data are they utilizing and basing this recommendation on, also where is the clarity, let's see all of the fire department response statistics. Or is the Ann Arbor Fire Chief going to take the same approach the that L.A. Fire Chief is using, "ah we are having issues getting our true response data public". Search that, and become informed. Lets see the departments real response data! Because I say so went out the door with Roger Fraser!!
PrevoTownie
Fri, Jun 29, 2012 : 6:37 p.m.
http://www.annarbor.com/Ann%20Arbor%20MI%20Fire%20Operations%20Final%20Draft%20Report.pdf
ordmad
Fri, Jun 29, 2012 : 6:07 a.m.
Check the Observer's coverage. It's all there.
John
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 9:37 p.m.
A issue that I have is if your trapped in a burning home in station six area (Briarwood Mall) Engine 6 could be there in a few mins and they can start rescue ops. In the 3 station set up (Chief Hubbard) both trucks will be coming from Station two. It will take longer for them both to arrive and the fire will grow in size I/we might not survive. I would rather have one truck faster (4 mins) to save my family or to start putting water on the fire (as compared to two trucks in 8 mins) or to provide medical service to my family then the longer response times the chief as called for. There will be still other trucks responding. Also someone has laid out the fire station in our city based on population or area for quick response. Closing the stations will increase response times to south part of the city and to the west/south east side of the city.
Nick Danger
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 9:33 p.m.
absolutely not
Val
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 9:24 p.m.
We need a new mayor and council. They just don't know what they are doing. How about closing the Homeless Shelter that is being used by people from outside of Ann Arbor? How about selling the art work in front of City Hall? How about getting rid of the Bicycle Coordinator, the City Architect, Oh the City Inspecting Engineer who doesn't seem to know how a contractor should patch holes in streets that they have made? How about getting rid of the people who schedule road work and then have it torn up after paving to put in something? What about looking at the staff of City Hall before we compromise the safety of our residents?
nutfarm
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 9:21 p.m.
When was the last time the city of A.A. administration took a cut of any kind? How stupid is it to "Reorganization based on lack of staffing" !!!! Hire more firefighters!! With all the money the U of M has let them pay for their own fire Dept.
Eep
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 11:47 p.m.
You do realize that the state pays Ann Arbor over 1 million dollars a year for providing fire protection to U of M. It's not as much money as the State's own formula says they should be paying, but it is a significant amount of money. If the University did what you're suggesting, the city would lose ALL of this money and have to make further cuts somewhere.
Fred Crothers
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 9:12 p.m.
GEE ya think there was a REASON for adding those two other stations? To cut down on response times MAYBE?? Come on people Why is it we cut back FIRST our SAFETY AND PROTECTION??!!
Razor
Fri, Jun 29, 2012 : 2:03 p.m.
@ Fred....The staion they want to open (Sta 2) was closed by Fraser several years back, to get that station back in service will take upwards of 30K in repairs to bring it up to code. And if you remember that station is now the closest to the honorable mayors home!
BHarding
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 9:03 p.m.
Jack Eaton has it right. We can't base our safety precautions on a quiet year, each station means a faster response time for people that area, and fires are always unexpected, the firefighters need to be there as fast as possible. Don't close any stations. Save the money somewhere else.
snapshot
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 9:01 p.m.
I think it's great to have a certain amount of public input but then there's the "money" issue. The only problem with this is there's usually an inordinate number of special interest groups that dominate and intimidate. I'd like to hear these special interest groups tell us where the money will come from, where it goes, how personnel are managed, and how productivity, promotions, and dicipline is administered in open union contract negotiations. Right now, I get different "facts" so I don't know who to trust. Our military and vets are suffering from budget cuts too and they've incurred many more hardships and casualties and are prevented from forming any unions and negotiating, or striking, or protests of any kind. There's only so much money I can afford and quite frankly, I'd rather give it to the feds to care of vets rather than inflated property taxes to take care of locals who already seem to be pretty well off in terms of salaries, standard of living, pensions, and health care. We need to start managing our tax dollars better and that may demand more work with less pay and a reduction in the standards we've become accustomed to.
snapshot
Fri, Jun 29, 2012 : 9:54 p.m.
Talker, you miss my point, it needs to get much worse so people will be willing to make changes. Right now there is no "risk" so their is no incentive. Everybody needs to adjust to "less" not just "some of us".
talker
Fri, Jun 29, 2012 : 3:35 a.m.
I understand your concern. This particular issue is about property taxes collected to pay for city services. Money collected within the city is supposed to provide safety services. If you believe that money is fungible and that we the citizens are paying for expensive "art" and other things that aren't safety services, then the city needs to move money over from things (such as art) that citizens don't want to pay for. By not doing so, we threaten the safety of city residents and visitors. Besides risking lives and city reputation, each of us may end up paying hundreds of dollars more each year for homeowners and renters' insurance. Besides former ways of collecting information, today they have Google maps in addition to other information.
eyesofjustice
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 8:50 p.m.
Ann Arbor is headed in the wrong direction.......
talker
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 8:44 p.m.
According to information I just received from our homeowners' insurance company, the cost of fire insurance increases based on distance from a fire station. For example, we are now in the category of being within two miles of a station. The cost of being more than two miles from a station can be hundreds of dollars a year. Distance from a station is a key determinant of cost. Despite opinions that response time wouldn't change, insurance companies consider longer distances a reason for longer response times. This is an issue that could hit many in the "pocketbook," whereas foregoing a chandelier or other "art" project won't cost taxpayers anything.
talker
Sat, Jun 30, 2012 : 2:49 a.m.
Snapshot, I think I understand your point. I agree that there are many worthy causes and by paying required costs such as for city services, we can't fund other things we consider important. My discussion is about two things. First, among many city residentds firefighters and stations seem to be more important than city art installations. Second, if we don't allocate enough city money to staff more stations, people who live over two miles from a fire station will be paying more in increased costs in insurance. Those insurance costs increases can amount to hundreds of dollars a year, according to one major insurance company.
Peregrine
Fri, Jun 29, 2012 : 2:05 a.m.
Well the point of closing fire stations is to put at least four fire fighters in each, as none can go into a structure until four are on site according to NFPA standards. When there are only three fire fighters in a station, they have to wait for the second station to arrive before going in, slowing down rescue time. I wonder if insurance companies take that into consideration. But given the choice b/w higher taxes to support fully staffing the fire stations and higher insurance premiums, I'd think most Ann Arborites would opt for the former.
talker
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 9:04 p.m.
I don't know how it would impact the reputation of the Ann Arbor Fire Department for insurance purposes. That might have an effect, too. According ot our insurance company, a major part of rating and cost is due to one's specific situation,. including distance from a fire hydrant and distance from nearest fire station.
PrevoTownie
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 8:52 p.m.
Good point about the insurance, I did not even think about that one. How will this move affect the ISO rating of the Fire Department? If there is a change in the ISO rating, this could affect all of Ann Arbor residents not just those that would be farther away from a station.
brimble
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 8:34 p.m.
The fundamental role of a local government is to provide basic services: roads and transportation, basic utilities, fire and police protection, and a basic legal framework for building codes and zoning. The rest is all gravy. (We like gravy, thick and flavorful, in the form of parks, art, libraries, and the like, but they are secondary to the fundamental mission.) The City is hiring additional building inspectors because there is a construction boom on. Nothing wrong there, and tax revenues are to follow, but so too are demands on the roads, utilities, and first responders. Is this plan the best choice for overall public safety -- or just a money saver? Does it put us closer to or further from nationally recognized staffing standards? How will response times be impacted? Does it include coordination with adjacent agencies? What are the impacts during those high demand / compromised logistic events like home football games, Art Fairs, etc.?
Carole
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 8:30 p.m.
Totally, totally disgusting. AAFD personnel is always first to arrive for emergency services and in timely fashion to fires. The city council and mayor have proven quite readily that they are totally (yes love that word) fiscally irresponsible. To the personnel at AAFD, God Bless you all and keep safe. Know you will continue to do an excellent job regardless to what the city does to make your lives difficult.
Albert Howard
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 8:24 p.m.
Mayor John Hieftje and Chief Chuck Hubbard should hold a town hall meeting and address this situation with the community face 2 face. Using the mediator middle man approach is bad politics. It could 'backfire'
Razor
Fri, Jun 29, 2012 : 1:58 p.m.
The Mayor and Chief are scared to face the public! They know this is a failure! They wants this done as quickly and quietly as possible!
BornNRaised
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 8:17 p.m.
This city council has proven time and time again to be anything BUT transparent. Having people submit emails means the city can control the results. Just like when Fraser would tell people, "I never received once single email from residents saying they were upset about police and fire reductions." The only way to do this is in a town hall meeting which is filmed like all their other town hall meetings. I truly believe Powers is a blessing to this city compared to Fraser. All the same, be open with the results. There's a lot of old wounds from past administrations in this city.
Jack Eaton
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 7:57 p.m.
Our fire fighters do more than just fight fires. They are our first responders. When a vehicle accident requires special equipment to extract a driver, fire fighters are the ones to perform that task. When there is a hazardous material spill, our fire fighters respond. When there is a natural disaster, our fire fighters play an essential role in the disaster response team. They do so much more that we commonly recognize. While we have experienced a decline in the number of house fires, we should not plan our safety services on the basis of our good luck. Safety services (both police and fire) are like insurance. If you had no claims on your auto insurance last year, that would not be a good reason to reduce your car insurance for this year. You plan insurance coverage on the basis of what you would want to have if something terrible happens. Planning safety services is a similar task. As we emerge from the great recession, we need to rebuild the public safety staffing that was cut during the hard times. The fire chief has disclosed what he, in his professional judgement, believes is the minimum number of fire fighter we should have. While we rebuild, we should also collect better statistics on fire response times. Without good data, we cannot expect to measure our services against well accepted national standards. This is not the time to cut back on fire stations. Let's first rebuild what we had. When we have a good grasp of how well our fire department responds to fire and other emergencies, then we can decide whether to cut the number of stations.
ordmad
Fri, Jun 29, 2012 : 6:03 a.m.
We've got great stats on response times, etc. Check out the Chronical for solid and reliable reporting on them.
PrevoTownie
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 8:33 p.m.
I'm with Jack. There is plenty that 3 firefighters can do to prepare to attack the fire until another truck gets there with enough people to "attack" the fire. People keep talking about the change in number of fires, well there are plenty of other things firefighters do that do not require there to be 2 in & 2 out. In these events closing those outlying stations could affect the outcome. You can't rely on statistics for fires, when your department does so much more than fires.
Jack Eaton
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 8:13 p.m.
If we concentrate the insufficient number of fire fighters we currently have into fewer fire stations, that will mean that we have increased the physical distance between the remaining stations and many areas of town that were previously served by stations that are closed.
TAG
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 8:02 p.m.
Yes, we may need more firefighters but we don't now - so this plan, while reducing the number of stations is designed to improve actual firefighting effectivness with the limited resources currently available. This is a reduction in active stations and not a further reduction in staff.
julieswhimsies
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 7:53 p.m.
Interesting time to even CONSIDER this move in the current drought, and devilish heat.
TAG
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 7:53 p.m.
Chief Hubbard's proposal looks like good application of limited resources and I think we should consider his professional judgment in the design of this plan.
Dave
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 7:51 p.m.
This is absolutely unacceptable. Ann Arbor needs fire and police. Divert funds from Art projects to ensure that we can have a safe city. This is terrible.
Razor
Fri, Jun 29, 2012 : 1:54 p.m.
@ Tag...last time I checked everyone (except U-M) pays taxes, WHY should the residents of the west and east sides of town get less service for their dollar, while the U-M and downtown businesses get more?????
PrevoTownie
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 8:13 p.m.
It doesn't improve things, it takes away from reponses to the outlying areas.
TAG
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 7:56 p.m.
Until more funds are available, we need to do something to improve things and this looks like a viable option. If and when more funds become available then the city could open more stations.
Bob W
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 7:41 p.m.
It's nice to be asked for input, but on what facts would we make our decision for choice? It would seem this story should be accompanied by both historical information about fire dept responses in the past year located on a map, and how this would play out under the new, proposed circumstances. Basically we have no information on which to make an informed decision. Very shallow reporting I think. A2 News, I know you can do better.
ordmad
Fri, Jun 29, 2012 : 5:59 a.m.
We have "reported extensively on this proposal.". You sure have and as the real journalists at the Observer made plain you got it all wrong. Funny how you left that part out.
Jack Eaton
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 8:08 p.m.
The way the City collects fire response times has been the subject of an article on the Ann Arbor Chronicle: http://annarborchronicle.com/2012/06/02/milestone-integrity-and-a-sense-of-place/ (scroll down to the heading "Fire Safety: A Story of Flawed Reporting"). That criticism tells the background of why the editor on Ann Arobr dot com had to admit that prior reporting on fire response times was flawed: http://www.annarbor.com/news/opinion/ann-arbor-fire-departments-struggles-to-meet-response-standards-not-based-on-travel-time/ Without reliable data, the City cannot determine how well it meets nationally recognized fire response times. If you don't know how you're doing, you shouldn't make further cuts.
Tony Dearing
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 7:58 p.m.
AnnArbor.com has reported extensively on this proposal. For more detailed information, please click on the link in the first paragraph.
a2xarob
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 7:51 p.m.
That assumes that anyone in the city administration has (asked for) this information so that it can be provided to A2.com. Don't be so quick to blame the "paper" when it may be the city that is trying to keep the relevant data hidden. IMHO
f4phantomII
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 7:29 p.m.
Yes, they should close two stations: The station closest to City Hall and the station closest to the mayor's house.
keri
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 7:23 p.m.
Is it possible to get a map that indicates the location of the three stations that would stay open?
PrevoTownie
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 7:43 p.m.
From the maps provided, it certainly looks like it will improve response times to all of the U of M properties.
PrevoTownie
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 7:37 p.m.
http://a2gov.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=1822651&GUID=58A6A5F8-FE77-41BE-B89D-28F1A9B0F3FB
Lisa
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 7:21 p.m.
Wowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww! Until a fire personnel save you or a loved one you will never know .The fire department rescue was usually the first on the seen.We need our Fire Department. We need more .
snapshot
Fri, Jun 29, 2012 : 9:49 p.m.
out of sight out of mind and protect your own.
snapshot
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 8:37 p.m.
Same for the military and taking care of our vets...without them you wouldn't have a free country or any input and their budget is a lot thinner per individual with a much higher caualty rate.
snapshot
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 7:20 p.m.
If they are closed, will there suddenly be a series of fires is happening in Detroit?
BornNRaised
Wed, Jul 18, 2012 : 7:47 p.m.
It can easily be verified. Get out from behind your keyboard and talk to a real person that works in the field. You like to discredit my input. Go get it from someone else then. Then again, it's easier to hide behind a keyboard taking shots at those that provide actual information.
snapshot
Fri, Jun 29, 2012 : 9:47 p.m.
Of course born and raised, as always you've got the answers that can't be verified by us "outsiders"
BornNRaised
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 8:54 p.m.
You should talk to an actual Detroit Fire Fighter. Those amounts of fires have ALWAYS been going on. That's the norm for Detroit. It's being reported on more now only because of the layoffs. More fires aren't happening because of layoffs... more fires are being REPORTED on because of the layoffs.
snapshot
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 8:31 p.m.
Several large, suspicious, and determined to be arson fires all started at the same time within the last couple of days are putting a scare into residents. Google it so you know.
julieswhimsies
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 7:55 p.m.
Huh? What?
snapshot
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 7:20 p.m.
"as is" happening in Detroit.
Roadman
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 7:18 p.m.
Ann Arbor residents have cause to be burned up over these closures.
Linda Peck
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 7:18 p.m.
Thank you for posting this and yes, I did send the feedback. I don't wish these 2 stations to close but if it is temporary until the fire staff is restored, I could accept that. I am dismayed at the reductions in our fire safety.
Razor
Fri, Jun 29, 2012 : 1:49 p.m.
Linda Peck......this is NOT temporary! The chief wants this perminately! The residents on the west and east sides of town will have longer response times to any emergencey they may have!
LA
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 7:15 p.m.
wrong. just wrong.