Engine 212 and other Brooklyn firehouses were closed in 2003 owing largely to shifting populations. These historic structures have met with various fates (even while returning populations beg the question of whether we might actually want firehouses to be firehouses again). 212 is on Wythe and North 8th Street and was awarded by the NYC Economic Development Corporation to People's Firehouse (which manages low-income housing in the neighborhood) and Neighbors Allied for Good Growth.
This Tuesday at 6:00 p.m., NAG will be raising awareness of Engine 212 at Union Pool (because nothing puts out fires like former pool supply stores).
And here's a little pre-party awareness: on Thanksgiving Day 1975, the City told the firefighters of Engine 212 that it was closing the firehouse down owing to (surprise!) a dire fiscal crisis. According to NAG, within hours, a crowd of 300 local residents gathered in front of the firehouse to prevent the City from removing its equipment. For the next 16 months, Williamsburg residents were at the firehouse around the clock, until the City agreed to keep it open. While Engine 212 finally closed in 2003 (sparking more protests), it is now (with our help) being converted into the Northside Town Hall Community and Cultural Center, complete with a street-level gallery for displaying local art and history. Thanks to the Waterfront Preservation Alliance, CB1, Council Member Yassky, and all the nameless engaged.
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Interesting. I live right by here and I've been wondering what's going on with the space... That post was in February, and it's now July, and not much has seemed to happen since then.. Any update on the community organizations going in there?
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