ATLANTA — Atlanta voters have voted in favor of an initiative that will improve infrastructure and public safety.
It will also be a big help to firefighters at Howell Mill Fire Station, one of the oldest fire stations in northwest Atlanta.
Mayor Andre Dickens was excited to talk about the $150 million in bonds that will improve roads, sidewalks and dilapidated stations.
“Last night was exciting. The city of Atlanta residents made a great bet on themselves,” said Dickens, “The voters have said ‘Yes’ and the mayor said ‘Thank you.’”
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“What really excites me is that everybody said it was a good idea together. We agreed on these projects and we said yes together,” said Dickens.
Channel 2′s Dave Huddleston was in Northwest Atlanta to talk about how the money will help firefighters.
The Howell Mill Fire Station is one of four old stations that need to be torn down and rebuilt. Now, the project can happen.
We toured the fire stations that crews are forced to work and live in.
Fire Station 30 in southeast Atlanta is one of 14 stations that need to be replaced. The station has black plastic covering some of the windows, and shower stalls with holes so large they look like crawl spaces.
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Fire Chief Roderick Smith, suggested that they just need to start over and rebuild another station.
Now, with the passing of the three referendums on the ballot, the city will be able to pay for new facilities.
Smith made a statement that said, in part, “This will have a tremendous impact on Atlanta Fire Rescue Department and the communities we serve for decades to come.”
The three bonds passed with more than 80% tax payer approval — the biggest margin in the city’s history.
“I’m excited and thankful to the voters of Atlanta, to move Atlanta forward,” said Smith.
The chief will get together with City Hall to draw up a plan to begin the rebuilding process.
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