NY S01664

Requires the highest ranking fire official in cities with over 100,000 people to provide written request with supporting documentation before permanently closing any firehouse or removing/relocating any fire fighting unit (permanent defined as over 6 months).

Written request must include an environmental impact statement containing current and projected response times, resource allocation and staffing levels, and distance to other firehouses in affected areas.

Proposed closures are subject to a 30-day review period by affected council members, community boards, and borough presidents, with a simple majority vote required for council approval if any affected officials support the proposal.

If all affected council members, community boards, and borough presidents oppose the proposal, a two-thirds majority vote is required for council approval.

If closure does not occur within four months of approval, the fire official must submit a new written request and undergo the review procedure again, with time tolled during any court restraining orders or injunctions.