The Atlanta Fire Rescue Department’s new Station 3 at Phipps Plaza mall is supposed to open this month, but may be delayed by a hang-up in the furnishings budget.

The original Fire Station 3 underneath the Belk parking deck at Phipps Plaza. (File/Evelyn Andrews)

The department is having “a little problem with money” being appropriated on time, Capt. Chris Jackson of Station 21 reported to NPU-B at its Oct. 2 meeting. He said the Station 3 firefighters might have to be temporarily housed at another station until the new firehouse is fully furnished.

The Fire Rescue Department did not respond to questions.

The original Station 3 was built within a Phipps Plaza parking garage in 1993 as a backup to Station 21. As part of mall renovations, the station is moving to another part of the garage and is being upgraded.

John Ruch is an Atlanta-based journalist. Previously, he was Managing Editor of Reporter Newspapers.