Cole wants Engine 9 sold to African American firefighters

Now that the City of Cincinnati has opened its brand new, LEED-certified Engine 9 firehouse in Paddock Hills, what becomes of the old building?

Councilmember Laketa Cole has introduced a motion to have the facility at 4017 Reading Road (BIRD'S EYE) sold to the Cincinnati African American Firefighters Association (CAFA).

The CAFA has expressed interest in turning the building into a meeting facility for their members and a safehouse for children, where kids can learn about fire safety.

They also plan to add a learning center where kids can have access to tutors, computers, and other homework help.

By doing do, CAFA hopes to serve as role models for the neighborhood's youth and to become more active in the community.

Renovations to the building, which was built in 1929, would be paid for by federal grants.

City Council's Finance Committee is studying the proposal, and a report from City Manager Dohoney is expected by the end of this month.

Previous reading on BC:
Cincinnati's first LEED-certified public building opens today (2/27/08)