[quote name='massfirebuff' post='68147' date='Jan 16 2007, 14:41 ']I know Ryal Side and Centerville were closed in 1992, I THINK there were layoffs at that point. Since then I do not believe there have been any, I guess since then the force was allowed to shrink down to the point that overtime was required to keep Ladder 1 in service 24/7. The cuts in state aid during the Romney administration casued this to become a problem. I'm sure my good friend Bob can shed much more light on the staffing issues than I can. I know it certainly is not because of lower taxes...my lastest tax bill can attest to that, LOL.
Since that time, Ladder 1 has been in service periodically, and during major storms. Often times spare Engines 2 and 4 are put into service during major storms as well.
I'm not sure how recently you lived in Beverly, but development has taken off over the last 15 or so years. The United Show was coverted into a massive office complex (Cummings Center) with many new structures added to the property as well. Downtown is thriving with shops and restaurants. There is a new road at the airport with several industrial buildings, as well as development at Cherry Hill. Enon street is busy with a new larger Stop and Shop, new strip mall where the Commodore was. Rampant development in the Essex st. area with many new homes. And another large expansion at Beverly Hopsital.
And now, Pisani's on Rantoul st. was taken down, and a new 5 story luxury condo building has been put up. With plans for 2 more large 7 story buildings. So Beverly is a growing, busy city. I too, am amazed at the cuts to fire protection over the years when you take into consideration the growth that has taken place.[/quote]
Thanks for the reply. I guess my biggest question is where is all of the tax revenue going? I would think that a city that is thriving and growing would generate a great tax base, and that public safety would benefit from this. This may be a rather simplistic way of looking at the issue. I do realize that state cutbacks have hit Massachusetts hard, but it just seems that Beverly's FD has been hit harder than other cities in the area. Am I wrong for having that perception? I get back to the area probably 2-3 times a year, (My parents still live on the North Shore) and have been amazed at the growth that has taken place since I last live there. I would think that with all of the growth that you mentioned, that there would be cash to add staffing and apparatus.
Since that time, Ladder 1 has been in service periodically, and during major storms. Often times spare Engines 2 and 4 are put into service during major storms as well.
I'm not sure how recently you lived in Beverly, but development has taken off over the last 15 or so years. The United Show was coverted into a massive office complex (Cummings Center) with many new structures added to the property as well. Downtown is thriving with shops and restaurants. There is a new road at the airport with several industrial buildings, as well as development at Cherry Hill. Enon street is busy with a new larger Stop and Shop, new strip mall where the Commodore was. Rampant development in the Essex st. area with many new homes. And another large expansion at Beverly Hopsital.
And now, Pisani's on Rantoul st. was taken down, and a new 5 story luxury condo building has been put up. With plans for 2 more large 7 story buildings. So Beverly is a growing, busy city. I too, am amazed at the cuts to fire protection over the years when you take into consideration the growth that has taken place.[/quote]
Thanks for the reply. I guess my biggest question is where is all of the tax revenue going? I would think that a city that is thriving and growing would generate a great tax base, and that public safety would benefit from this. This may be a rather simplistic way of looking at the issue. I do realize that state cutbacks have hit Massachusetts hard, but it just seems that Beverly's FD has been hit harder than other cities in the area. Am I wrong for having that perception? I get back to the area probably 2-3 times a year, (My parents still live on the North Shore) and have been amazed at the growth that has taken place since I last live there. I would think that with all of the growth that you mentioned, that there would be cash to add staffing and apparatus.
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