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Atlanta City Councilman Ceasar C. Mitchell Urges
Atlantans to Help Reopen Fire Station #7 
 

At-Large Atlanta City Councilman Ceasar C. Mitchell is issuing a call to all Atlantans to help their neighbors in Atlanta’s West End to reopen Fire Station #7.  

Councilman Mitchell is urging Atlantans to contact their council representative and ask them to support legislation (#08-O-1540) that would transfer approximately $1.12 million from various consulting, supply, travel, and non-personnel accounts to fund the reopening of Fire Station #7 at 535 W. Whitehall Street, SW. The full City Council will vote on the legislation on Monday, August 18. The measure will restore funding for all necessary positions and services at the station for at least another year. 

City Councilmember Cleta Winslow, co-sponsor of the legislation, and Councilman Mitchell were joined by supporters from Save Station #7 Neighborhood Coalition, Atlanta University Center officials, Georgia Stand Up and Concerned Black Clergy at Fire Station #7 for the call to neighbors. 

Councilman Mitchell said this is a help thy neighbor effort: “Atlanta neighbors need to call, email or fax their city councilmember and voice their concerns about Fire Station #7. This is a citywide public safety issue that can impact not only residents, businesses, and 10,000 returning college students, but also many historic homes and landmarks like the Wren’s Nest and the Alonzo F. Herndon Home.” 

Fire Station #7, which has protected the area since 1910, receives an average of 2,600 calls annually—making it the fifth busiest station in the city.  Councilman Mitchell adds that residents across Atlanta could feel the impact of the closure as already busy nearby fire stations now must respond to those calls in addition to those coming from their current coverage area. 

“This is a serious public safety issue,” said Councilmember Winslow. “It is our responsibility, our obligation to protect our citizens, and this legislation will do that without any job cuts in other departments or a tax increase.” 

Councilman Mitchell is a West End resident and a strong and consistent advocate for public safety. He believes Fire Station #7 is crucial to the future safety of residents in southwest Atlanta. 

“My father was an Atlanta Police Officer and patrolled the streets of Atlanta for years,” said Mitchell.  Caring for the safety of others runs through my blood–whether it is police protection or fire safety. I want to make sure, like my father and as a public servant myself, that I am doing all that I can to protect all Atlantans.” 

Atlanta Fire-Rescue Department Station No. 7 operated and protected Atlanta’s historic West End for nearly 98 years. The administration closed the station on July 14, 2008 as a budget cutting action. 

As a result of the 2009 budget shortfall, the City Council adopted resolution 08-R-1350 encouraging the Mayor to implement an additional 2.5 percent spending reduction without mandating the closing any fire stations, swimming pools or recreation centers or further cutting filled city positions. 

In implementing the FY 2009 budget, the Mayor cut an additional $7 million beyond the $14.5 million (2.5 percent requested by Council). In doing so, the administration eliminated 165 filled positions, including 72 filled position; and ordered a $4.7 million cut to the fire department, which included the closing and decommissioning of Atlanta Fire Station No. 7. 

Atlantans may call 404-330-6052 to be connected to their council representative. 

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